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ijtihad

American  
[ij-ti-hahd] / ˌɪdʒ tɪˈhɑd /

noun

  1. (in Islamic law) the use of reason to arrive at a knowledge of truth in religious matters.


Etymology

Origin of ijtihad

From Arabic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

He possessed the foundational knowledge of Islam without the advanced and independent reasoning – ijtihad – required for an ayatollah.

From Salon Mar. 6, 2026

But their efforts were increasingly disapproved of, and now it is widely held among orthodox Sunnis that interpretation is no longer permitted - or, as the saying goes, "the gate of ijtihad is closed".

From BBC Oct. 24, 2015

I propose naming a new one after ijtihad, the concept of critical thinking, and elevating self-examination over toxic shame-based discourse, laws and rules.

From Washington Post Jan. 16, 2015

They even depend on traditional Islamic principles such as ijtihad to, some may say, do away with other traditional Islamic principles.

From Time Apr. 16, 2014

The commission appealed to the right of ijtihad, or exercise of individual judgment within the broad framework of the revealed word.

From Time Magazine Archive

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