What Is the “Ijtihad of the Layman”?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

Islam is fundamentally a Deen of Isnad, in which everything from learning Arabic letters to mastering complex sciences requires a teacher. Yet, we each stand before our Lord alone.

Over the years, I have encountered fleeting references to the “Ijtihad of the layman.” What are the obligations of the ordinary person concerning independent thought and initiative? Perhaps, like me, many others seek a detailed explanation of the matters an individual must address independently.

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.

In its classical sense, Ijtihad refers to the rigorous process of deriving legal rulings by qualified scholars who have exhaustive knowledge of the Quran, Hadith, and the extensive body of Islamic Law. However, “Ijtihad of the layman” pertains to the everyday decisions and judgments that ordinary Muslims, who are not scholars, must make based on their understanding and circumstances.

As laymen, we are not expected to (nor are we permitted to) delve into complex legal theories or derive rulings on new issues; such responsibilities rest on the shoulders of those who have spent years in dedicated study under qualified teachers.

Allah says:

“Do not follow what you have no (sure) knowledge of. Indeed, all will be called to account for (their) hearing, sight, and intellect.” [Quran, 17:36]

However, certain aspects of Ijtihad are indeed expected from every Muslim, regardless of their level of formal Islamic education. These include:

One. Seeking Basic Knowledge:

Every Muslim must acquire at least the essential knowledge of their faith. This includes understanding the fundamentals of belief (Aqida), the obligatory acts of worship (Ibadat), and the moral and ethical principles of Islam. This knowledge enables a Muslim to fulfill their religious obligations correctly and with understanding.

Two. Making Informed Decisions in Daily Life:

While specialized Ijtihad is the realm of scholars, laymen must make informed decisions in matters where scholarly guidance is not immediately available. This involves using one’s reason and the basic principles of Islam to choose the best course of action in everyday affairs, especially in maintaining lawful (halal) earnings, fulfilling family responsibilities, and engaging with the broader community.

Three. Consultation (Shura):

Islam encourages consultation in cases of uncertainty. When faced with decisions that impact their religious duties or their lives in general, laymen should seek advice from knowledgeable and pious individuals.

Four. Continuous Personal Development:

Each Muslim is also tasked with continually striving to improve their understanding of the religion and its application to personal and communal life. This involves regular reading, attending lectures, and participating in study circles.

In conclusion, while the journey of learning in Islam begins and flourishes under the guidance of teachers, personal initiative, thoughtful reflection, and a proactive approach to applying Islamic principles in one’s life are also crucial. These elements of personal Ijtihad ensure that a Muslim lives by Islam, both in solitude and in society, faithfully fulfilling the duties owed to Allah (Most High) and His creation.

Other Matters Described as Ijtihad

Indeed, the concept of “Ijtihad of the layman” extends to practical aspects of daily religious practices, where individual Muslims must often rely on their judgment and understanding to perform their religious duties correctly. Here are some additional examples that highlight this responsibility:

One. Determining the Direction of Qibla: When a Muslim finds themselves in a new place and needs to perform Salah, they must determine the direction of the Qibla. While tools like compasses or mobile applications can assist, the individual still needs to make an effort to ensure accuracy in fulfilling this requirement.

Two. Assessing the Times of Prayer: Although prayer times are generally provided by mosques and various digital platforms, there are circumstances in which a Muslim must estimate them, especially when traveling or living in regions where such information is not readily available. This requires an understanding of the sun’s position and the specific signs of each prayer time.

Three. Judging Purity (Tahara): A Muslim is often faced with the question of whether something is pure (tahir) or impure (najis). This could involve deciding whether water is clean for ablution (wudu), whether clothing is clean for prayer, or whether food is halal and pure for consumption. Knowledge of the basic principles of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) helps make such determinations.

Four. Maintaining Ablution: A person must decide whether their ablution remains valid or has been invalidated by any invalidating actions, such as using the restroom or deep sleep. Understanding these rules helps maintain the required state of purity for prayer.

And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), who taught there.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Center and, for 6 years, the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen in Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has 15 years of teaching experience at some of Cape Town’s leading Islamic institutes. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.