URDU-THE ROLE OF FREEDOM OF THOUGHT IN IJTEHAD

  • Samina Naz PhD Scholar, Department of comparative Religion & Islamic Culture, University of Sindh, Jamshoro,
  • Dr. Khan Hafiz Munir Ahmed Dean, Faculty of Islamic Studies, University of Sindh, Jamshoro
Keywords: Islam, Iqbal, Ijtehad, Consultation, Freedom of thought.

Abstract

Allah commanded us through the Holy prophet (PBUH) for the routines of life. We need Ijtihad for those issues of modern era for which we do not have the solution in Quran and Sunnah. We have guided the method of Ijtihad by the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The first step for the Ijtihad is the freedom of thoughts and opinions. The life of our Holy Prophet (PBUH) helps us to know that how and when and for what goals he (PBUH) taught about Ijtihad and importance freedom of thought and opinion, to his companions (Allah bless them all). During the tenure of companions of Holy Prophet (PBUH) also give freedom of thoughts and opinion, which we known as the era of Khulfae Rashdeen. These teachings, we are aware the importance about how and why freedom of thoughts and opinions is necessary in Ijtihad. We found the many examples in history of Islam which caring the lot of events of teaching on Ijtihad and freedom of opinion. If we glance over the history of Islam, we find the best symbol of freedom of thoughts from the period of Holy prophet and Khulfae Rashdeen and particularly during the caliphate of Hadrat Umer Farooq Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho. He set the example of freedom of thoughts for the public benefit. Allama Iqbal also mentioned about the freedom of thoughts in his poetry and lectures on Ijtihad. The freedom of opinions is the first condition of Ijtihad, where there is no freedom of opinion how Ijtihad would be possible. The restrictions free environment is required for Ijtihad so that people give their opinion clearly and talk freely and there should be element of tolerance in listeners. We found the best examples of freedom of opinions from life of the holy prophet, his companions and after that era of aima karams. Islam is not bound the person from their opinions in Ijtihad but it should not be against the Islamic values.

Published
2018-01-01