Ijtihad in Twelver Shi-ism : the interpretation and application of Islamic law in the context of changing Muslim society
The purpose of the thesis is to investigate whether Islamic laws, without relaxing the nature of the Shari 'a, could be expanded and adapted to meet the changing needs of modem Muslim societies. The focus is on the Shi'ites' approach to the law with special reference to the debates in Iran following Imam Khomeini's emphasis on the ~role of the time and place in Utihad~. The thesis suggests that scientific knowledge in different areas should play a role in jtihad beside the judgements of those possessing the accomplishments necessary to be a qualified mujtahid. The first three of the seven chapters are designed to provide a general overview of Shi 'i law, the concept of tihad and its development and also the sources and the methodology of tihad (usul al-fiqh) among the Shi'ite 'ulama. The fourth chapter discusses the relation between Utihad and the comprehensiveness of the Shari'a, and examines the different theories introduced by both traditional 'ulama and Muslim modernists in adapting Islamic law to the requirements of the modern age. The fifth chapter focuses on the ~role of the time and place~ in tihad, and the ways and principles through which changes in the law may be justified. In investigating the
Tabatabaei Lotfi, Esmat al-Sadat
Philosophy
Ijtihad in Twelver Shi-ism : the interpretation and application of Islamic law in the context of changing Muslim society. The purpose of the thesis is to investigate whether Islamic laws, without relaxing the nature of the Shari 'a, could be expanded and adapted to meet the changing needs of modem Muslim societies. The focus is on the Shi'ites' approach to the law with special reference to the debates in Iran following Imam Khomeini's emphasis on the ~role of the time and place in Utihad~. The thesis suggests that scientific knowledge in different areas should play a role in jtihad beside the judgements of those possessing the accomplishments necessary to be a qualified mujtahid. The first three of the seven chapters are designed to provide a general overview of Shi 'i law, the concept of tihad and its development and also the sources and the methodology of tihad (usul al-fiqh) among the Shi'ite 'ulama. The fourth chapter discusses the relation between Utihad and the comprehensiveness of the Shari'a, and examines the different theories introduced by both traditional 'ulama and Muslim modernists in adapting Islamic law to the requirements of the modern age. The fifth chapter focuses on the ~role of the time and place~ in tihad, and the ways and principles through which changes in the law may be justified. In investigating the
interpretation application islamic law context change muslim society purpose_investigate whether islamic law without relax nature could expand adapted meet change need modem muslim society focus law special_reference debate iran follow emphasis role time_place suggests scientific_knowledge different area play_role beside judgement possess accomplishment necessary qualify first design provide_general overview law concept development also source among ulama fourth discus relation examine different_theory introduce traditional ulama muslim adapt islamic law requirement modern age fifth focus_role time_place way principle change law may justify investigate