IJMA (Consensus)

Q (a) Describe how Ijma (consensus) is used in Islamic legal thinking. [10]
Ijma means a collective point of view of the people. In Islam, it means a collective point of view of
the Islamic Jurists from all over the world about a certain issue on which the Quran and sunnah
did not speak the final word directly or clearly. Whenever such an issue arises, Islamic Jurists
together discuss the matter in the light of Quran and sunnah and finally come to one conclusion on
which everyone agrees. This agreement is known as Ijma- e-Islam. Ijma is the secondary source
of Islamic law and the Holy Quran validates the use of Ijma by saying "And whoever contradicts
and opposes the Messenger after the right path has been shown clearly to him and he follows

N
other than the believers' way, We shall keep him in the path he has chosen and burn him in hell.."
[An-Nisa 4:115]

EE
It also says, "O you who believe! obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those charged with
authority among you...." [An-Nisa 4:59) It also says, "you are the best Nation evolved for mankind.
You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong..." [ Aal-e-Imran 3:110] .The Holy Prophet (s) also
encouraged the use of Ijma. He said, "My nation will never agree unanimously upon an error."In

M
another Hadith he said, "Follow the most numerous body, he who separates himself from the main
body, Allah will separate him in the hellfire. "The Prophet also said, "the hand of Allah is with the
community."
YA
Kinds of Ijma

There are two main kinds of ljma.

b) The second particularly concerns legal matters, For example, the agreement of a group of
Muslims about an issue on which the Quran and the
SR

The Holy Prophet's sunnah has not given the final word. There are three ways to perform ljma:
1- Ittefaq-ul-Qaul (Speech): When all scholars express their opinions verbally.
2- Ittefaq-ul-Fi'l (action): When all Scholars do something or they avoid something.
3- Ittefaq-ul-Sukut (silence): When some Scholars express their opinions and others remain silent.
Their silence is considered as their approval.
YU

Ijma of the Prophet's companions:

Appointment of the First Caliph ,After the demise of the Prophet, a question arose about the
appointment of the Caliphs. The companions had a long discussion and they finally decided and
agreed to appoint Hz. Abu Bakr. This Ijma was based on sunna of the Prophet as he made him the
Imam of his mosque when he (s) was sick. He showed that Abu Bakr is the leader and the best in
community after the Messenger (s).
1
 ●​ Compilation of Quran:
The Quran was revealed in a span of 23 years. It was not compiled in a book form during the life
of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.). After his death, on suggestion of Umar (R.A.) and by Ijm'a of the
Companions, it was compiled in a book form when many Companions of the Prophet were killed in
the battle of Yamamah.
●​ Punishment of a drinker
Hz. Umar asked companions about the punishment of drinkers. Hz. Ali gave the suggestion of
hitting the drinker with 80 lashes. The law was made accordingly and no one objected on it. Hz. Ali
's opinion was based on (An-Noor 24:4) "And those who accuse chaste women and then do not
produce four witnesses, hit them with eighty lashes..." (An-Noor 24:4)

N
●​ Tarawih Prayer
The Holy Prophet (S) offered tarawih prayer in congregation only two to three times in his lifetime

EE
but during the caliphate of Hz. Umar, 20 Rak'aat of Tarawih were offered in congregation for the
whole month of Ramadan every year with the instruction of the Caliph and no one objected to it.

●​ The Second Azan of Friday Prayer

M
There was only one Azan for Friday prayers during the time of the Holy Prophet (s) but later
Madina was expanded during the caliphate of Hz. Usman and it was difficult for the people to hear
Azan so it was decided through Ijma two Azan would be given for Friday prayer. This practice of
YA
two Azans for Friday prayer is now followed throughout the world.

ljma after Companions Era:

1.​ - All the Scholars say that Israel cannot be treated as a friendly state as they have occupied
Muslim territory and they kill innocent Muslims. It is based on: (Al-Maida 5:51) "O you who
A

believe, do not be the friends of Jews and Christians. They are friends but of each other”
2.​ - In 1974 Pakistan National Assembly declared Qadyanies as non-believers because they
SR

do not believe in the finality of the prophethood. it is is based on (33:40) in it.

Ijma is very important in modern age, as new Islamic issues are emerging every day, and Muslim
YU

jurists have to decide issues and formulate laws for such new legal matters.

Whose ljma is Authority:

There is a difference of opinion whose lima is authority. Some say the Ijma of the Prophet's
Companions is valid as they were the most knowledgeable after the Prophet (pbuh) in matters of
Islamic law while some say Ijma of the scholars of Madina in early centuries is authority. Yet others
believe it should be the Rightly Guided Caliphs.
According to Shia belief ijma of Imams is authority but the majority say that the ljma of the
Scholars of all ages is authority as otherwise there will be no other way of the Islamic solutions of
the upcoming issues.

2
Q (b)Did the Holy Prophet (s) perform ljma? [4]

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (s) did indeed discuss and guide his companions on various
matters, like how to prepare for battles or the way to call for prayer (Azan). However, it's important
to understand that these discussions were part of their training and guidance, and not exactly what
we call ljma. This is because during the Prophet's (s) lifetime, the Quran was still being revealed,
and the Prophet himself had the authority to explain and guide based on the Quran and his own
actions (Sunnah). The actual Ijma started to take shape after the passing of the Prophet
Muhammad (s). It's when scholars and leaders of the Muslim community came together to discuss
and decide matters that were not explicitly mentioned in the Quran or Hadith. So, while the

N
Prophet (s) played a central role in guiding his companions, the formal process of ljma began after
his time.

EE
Q (b) Explain the Significance of ljma. [4]

Ijma, or consensus among Islamic scholars, holds great significance in Islamic law. It provides a
way to make collective decisions when the Quran and Hadith do not offer clear guidance. This

M
collective agreement ensures unity among Muslims and helps interpret Islamic sources accurately.
Ijma also acts as a legal precedent, offering examples for future cases, thus maintaining
consistency in Islamic law. Moreover, it helps Islam remain relevant by addressing contemporary
YA
issues and preserving Islamic values. In disputes, it serves as a reference for conflict resolution,
promoting harmony within the Muslim community. Overall, Ijma plays a vital role in adapting
Islamic law to changing times while upholding the faith's core principles.
A
SR
YU