Ijma (Arabic: إجماع) in Islam refers to the consensus of Islamic scholars on a matter of religious significance. It is one of the four primary sources of Islamic law, alongside the Quran, Sunnah, and Qiyas (analogical reasoning). Ijma serves as a collective agreement among qualified scholars of a given era on issues not explicitly addressed in the Quran or Sunnah, ensuring consistency, unity, and adaptability in Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh).

The term Ijma is derived from the Arabic root j-m-‘ (ج-م-ع), meaning “to gather” or “to agree upon.” It represents a shared understanding that is binding upon the Muslim community in matters of law, ethics, and governance.

Types of Ijma

Scholars categorize Ijma into several types based on the nature and scope of consensus:

1. Ijma Sarih (Explicit Consensus)
   • This occurs when all qualified scholars clearly and explicitly agree on a particular ruling.
   • Example: The consensus that the five daily prayers (Salah) are obligatory.
2. Ijma Sukuti (Silent Consensus)
   • This arises when some scholars express an opinion, and others remain silent, indicating their acceptance or lack of objection.
   • This type is debated among scholars, as silence may not always signify agreement.
3. Ijma of the Companions
   • The unanimous agreement of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions (Sahabah) on a ruling after his death. This is considered the strongest form of Ijma.
4. Ijma of Subsequent Generations
   • Consensus reached by later generations of scholars on matters not addressed by the Sahabah.

Basis of Ijma in Islamic Teachings

The concept of Ijma is rooted in the Quran and the Sunnah:

1. Quranic References
   • “And whoever opposes the Messenger after guidance has become clear to him and follows other than the way of the believers—We will give him what he has taken and drive him into Hell, and evil it is as a destination.” (Quran 4:115)
     • This verse highlights the importance of adhering to the collective path of the Muslim community.
2. Prophetic Teachings
   • The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
     • “My Ummah (community) will never agree upon error.”
       This hadith, according to most sunni-scholars, underscores the reliability of Ijma as a source of guidance for the Muslim community.

Importance of Ijma in Islamic Law

1. Ensures Unity
   • Ijma serves as a unifying factor for the Muslim community, preventing divisions by providing collective clarity on complex issues.
2. Complements Primary Sources
   • It helps address new situations and challenges that are not explicitly mentioned in the Quran or Sunnah.
3. Reflects Scholarly Expertise
   • Ijma relies on the collective knowledge, reasoning, and expertise of qualified scholars, ensuring well-informed and balanced rulings.
4. Adaptability of Islamic Law
   • By allowing consensus on contemporary issues, Ijma ensures that Islamic law remains relevant and responsive to changing circumstances.

Examples of Ijma in Practice

1. Compilation of the Quran
   • After the death of Prophet Muhammad, the companions reached a consensus on compiling the Quran into a single, written form to preserve its authenticity.
2. Prohibition of Certain Marriages
   • Scholars unanimously agreed on the prohibition of specific types of marriages, such as marriage to a foster sibling (through breastfeeding), based on Quranic principles and Prophetic guidance.
3. Legal Punishments
   • Ijma has been used to establish rulings on the application of certain punishments (Hudud), ensuring consistency across the Muslim community.
4. Modern Applications
   • In recent times, Ijma has been applied to rulings on organ transplantation, digital transactions, and bioethics, ensuring that Islamic principles are upheld in contemporary contexts.

Conditions for a Valid Ijma

1. Agreement of Qualified Scholars
   • Only recognized and knowledgeable scholars with expertise in Islamic law can participate in Ijma.
2. Universal Agreement
   • There must be unanimous agreement among scholars of the relevant era on the issue in question.
3. Adherence to Primary Sources
   • Ijma must be based on evidence from the Quran and Sunnah and should not contradict these primary sources.
4. Applicability to the Ummah
   • The issue under discussion must be significant and relevant to the entire Muslim community.

Challenges and Criticism of Ijma

1. Difficulty in Achieving Universal Consensus
   • In a diverse and geographically dispersed Muslim community, achieving unanimous agreement can be challenging.
2. Interpretational Differences
   • Scholars may disagree on what constitutes valid evidence or whether silence indicates agreement.
3. Scope of Authority
   • The binding nature of certain types of Ijma, such as Ijma Sukuti, is debated among scholars.

Benefits of Ijma

1. Stability in Islamic Jurisprudence
   • Ijma ensures that rulings remain consistent and avoid unnecessary divergence.
2. Facilitates Collective Wisdom
   • By relying on the consensus of multiple scholars, Ijma minimizes the risk of individual error or bias.
3. Addresses Contemporary Issues
   • Ijma provides a mechanism for addressing modern challenges, ensuring that Islamic law evolves with time while maintaining its core principles.

Conclusion

Ijma is a vital source of Islamic law that reflects the collective wisdom and expertise of the Muslim scholarly community. It ensures unity, adaptability, and the continuity of Shariah by addressing issues not explicitly covered in the Quran and Sunnah. By relying on consensus, Ijma upholds the principles of justice, mercy, and practicality that define Islamic law, allowing it to remain relevant and responsive to the needs of the Muslim Ummah across generations.

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