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

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