❖ Fundamental Difference Between Ijtihād and Forming a Personal Opinion ❖
✍ Response by: Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir ḥafiẓahullāh
❖ Question:
What is the difference between performing ijtihād and forming a new personal opinion?
❖ Definition of Ijtihād
◈ Ijtihād is derived from the Arabic root “jahd”, meaning effort and exertion.
◈ It refers to a systematic scholarly process requiring:
- Deep reflection
- Comprehensive Islamic knowledge
- Strict adherence to Shar‘i principles and methodology
✅ Ijtihād is the exertion of scholarly effort to derive a ruling for a matter where there is no explicit textual evidence.
❖ Definition of Forming an Opinion
◈ Forming an opinion is a person’s individual perspective,
◈ It does not require scholarly training or adherence to formal methodology.
◈ Anyone, based on limited knowledge or personal experience, may express an opinion.
❖ Key Differences
✦ 1. Scholarly Effort & Capability
- Ijtihād: Requires in-depth study, proficiency in Arabic, Qur’ān, Sunnah, Uṣūl al-Fiqh, and other sciences.
- Opinion: Can be formed without scholarly training or rigorous study.
✦ 2. Strength of Conclusion
- Ijtihād: Produces a researched, well-founded legal ruling.
- Opinion: Based on personal understanding, which may lack depth or authenticity.
✦ 3. Regulation by Shar‘i Principles
- Ijtihād: Must follow Islamic legal methodology (uṣūl).
- Opinion: Has no binding rules and may vary greatly in reliability.
✅ Summary
| Aspect | Ijtihād | Personal Opinion |
|---|---|---|
| Requires Knowledge | Yes – deep Islamic scholarship | No |
| Bound by Principles | Yes – Shar‘i rules and uṣūl | No – based on personal logic or experience |
| Output Reliability | Strong, scholarly, and reasoned result | Subjective and unverified |
| Accepted Authority | From qualified scholars (mujtahids) | From laypersons or general public |
