PMS 2016 Solved Islamiat Past Papers | Current Importance and Need of Ijtehad
The following question of PMS Islamiat 2016 is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted using the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, who have scored the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
The question “In light of Islamic teachings, how relevant is Ijtehad for addressing contemporary issues?” requires an exploration of the role of Ijtehad in modern Islamic scholarship. It highlights the necessity of adapting Islamic principles to modern challenges, such as technological advancements, governance, and social issues, by offering new interpretations that align with the spirit of Islam. This question also requires understanding how Ijtehad can provide practical solutions to pressing concerns like women’s rights, economics, and sustainability.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Understanding Ijtehad in Islam
3-Relevance of Islamic Teachings in the Modern World
- The necessity of adapting Islamic principles to address contemporary issues
- Challenges faced by Islamic societies in applying traditional interpretations to modern problems
4-The Role of Ijtehad in Addressing Contemporary Issues
5-Examples of Modern Ijtehad
- Instances of contemporary scholars engaging in Ijtehad to address issues like biotechnology, digital finance, and interfaith relations
- How Ijtehad has helped in addressing the complexities of modern governance, family law, and economic systems
6-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Ijtihaad, the process of independent legal reasoning in Islamic jurisprudence, has been an essential tool for applying Islamic principles to contemporary issues. As society evolves and faces new challenges, Ijtehad allows scholars to interpret Islamic teachings in a way that addresses modern-day concerns while staying faithful to the core values of the Qur’an and Sunnah. The importance of Ijtehad has never been more significant, as it provides the flexibility needed to apply Islamic teachings to the complex and diverse issues of the present era.
Understanding Ijtehad in Islam
Ijtihaad is a legal process in Islam where qualified scholars use reasoning to derive rulings on issues that are not explicitly addressed in the Qur’an or Hadith. It is grounded in the principles of flexibility and contextual understanding, allowing for dynamic interpretations of Islamic law in response to evolving societal conditions. The practice of Ijtehad was initiated during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and has been a central aspect of Islamic scholarship ever since. The Prophet’s companions often engaged in Ijtihad, as seen in the case of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, who used Ijtihad to suspend the punishment of theft during a time of famine, demonstrating a practical application of Islamic law based on context.
Relevance of Islamic Teachings in the Modern World
The necessity of adapting Islamic principles to address contemporary issues
In a rapidly changing world, it is crucial to adapt Islamic principles to address new challenges. Modern issues such as advancements in technology, new economic systems, and global governance structures require a reinterpretation of traditional Islamic rulings. For example, the rise of digital currency and online transactions has created a need for scholars to adapt the principles of Islamic finance, such as the prohibition of interest (riba), to ensure that modern banking systems comply with Islamic ethics.
Challenges faced by Islamic societies in applying traditional interpretations to modern problems
One of the major challenges faced by Islamic societies today is the application of traditional interpretations to issues that were not present during the time of the Prophet (PBUH) or the early Islamic period. Traditional interpretations of Islamic law are often rigid and do not easily accommodate modern complexities, such as climate change, social media, and digital privacy. Therefore, Ijtihad is needed to provide more relevant solutions to contemporary issues, ensuring that Islam remains a living, evolving faith rather than one confined to historical contexts.
The Role of Ijtehad in Addressing Contemporary Issues
The need for new interpretations of Islamic law in light of global developments (e.g., technology, governance, human rights)
The modern world presents issues that require Islamic scholars to engage in fresh interpretations of Islamic law. Developments in technology, global governance, and human rights have created complexities that cannot be resolved solely through traditional interpretations. For instance, the rise of artificial intelligence, bioengineering, and climate change demands new rulings on ethical behaviour in these areas, which Ijtehad can address by applying core Islamic principles to novel situations.
How can ijtihad offer solutions for issues such as women’s rights, economics, and environmental sustainability?
Ijtihad can play a significant role in offering solutions to modern challenges, such as women’s rights, economic inequality, and environmental sustainability. In the case of women’s rights, the Qur’an and Hadith grant women rights to education, property, and participation in social affairs. Through Ijtehad, scholars have developed rulings that support women’s roles in leadership, business, and politics. Similarly, Ijtihad has provided guidance in the area of Islamic finance to address modern economic systems without compromising Islamic ethics, such as the prohibition on interest. In terms of environmental sustainability, scholars are using Ijtehad to align modern ecological practices with Islamic teachings on stewardship of the Earth.
Examples of Modern Ijtehad
Instances of contemporary scholars engaging in Ijtehad to address issues like biotechnology, digital finance, and interfaith relations
Contemporary scholars have engaged in Ijtehad to address a variety of issues, such as biotechnology, digital finance, and interfaith relations. In the case of biotechnology, scholars have used Ijtehad to establish Islamic rulings on issues like cloning, organ transplantation, and genetic modification, ensuring that these technologies are in line with Islamic ethics. In the field of digital finance, scholars have developed Islamic financial systems that are compatible with modern technologies, such as Islamic fintech, which adheres to the prohibition of riba and encourages ethical investing. Additionally, ijtihad has been used to create frameworks for interfaith dialogue and cooperation, promoting peace and understanding among different religious communities.
How Ijtehad has helped in addressing the complexities of modern governance, family law, and economic systems
Ijtehad has also been crucial in adapting Islamic governance principles to modern political systems. The Islamic concept of justice, as practised in the early Caliphate, has been reinterpreted by contemporary scholars to fit today’s democratic governance systems. In family law, scholars have employed ijtihad to address issues such as inheritance, marriage, and divorce in a manner consistent with Islamic values while taking into account modern realities. In economic systems, Ijtehad has provided innovative solutions to integrate Islamic banking with global financial markets, ensuring ethical practices and addressing the complexities of global trade and finance.
Conclusion
Ijtehad remains a vital tool for ensuring that Islamic teachings are relevant and applicable to the modern world. Through independent reasoning, scholars can address the complex challenges of the contemporary era while remaining true to the core values of Islam. By continuing the practice of Ijtehad, the Muslim community can ensure that Islamic principles guide modern society in a way that is both ethical and responsive to current global needs.
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