CSS 2017 Solved Islamiyat Past Papers | Ijma and Its Importance in Quran and Sunnah
The following question of Islamiat is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted on the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, scoring 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, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
The examiner was asked to describe and define Ijma’ (consensus) and explain its different kinds. Highlight its importance in the light of the Qur’ān and Sunnah. This question is divided into three sub-parts. First, you have to Define Ijma’ (consensus). Second, explain its different kinds. The third part highlights its importance in the light of the Qur’ān and Sunnah. Finally, end your answer with a critical analysis and a conclusion.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Meaning and purpose of Ijma
3-Kinds of Ijma
- ✓Ijma of the Jurists/Aimmah
- ✓ Ijma’s quality
- ✓ Ijma’ Amli
- ✓Ijma sukuti
4-Importance of Ijma
4.1-According to the Quran:
- ✓To seek guidance in matters not explicitly mentioned by taking guidance from the Quran
- Evidence: According to Surah Al-Maidah, verse 3, “And if you differ about anything, then refer it to Allah and the messenger”.
- ✓To foster harmony in society by preventing sectarian divide
- Evidence: According to Surah An-Nisa, verse:59, “O you who have believed, obey Allah and the messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree about anything, refer it to Allah and the messenger.”
- ✓To prevent the circulation of false beliefs by consulting Islamic teachings
- Evidence: According to Surah Al-Shura, verse 38, “And consult them in the matter. When you have decided, place your trust in Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who trust in him.”
4.2-According to Sunnah:
- ✓To resolve matters with collective decision
- Evidence: the decision to dig a trench in the battle of trench
- ✓To promote unity by ensuring the practice of community consulting
- Evidence: The hand of Allah is on the Jamaat, which is the primary body of Muslims, and “whoever slips from the Jamaat slips into Hellfire.
5-Critical analysis
6-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Islam is a complete rule of life because it is the only religion that offers guidance on dealing with the issues that humanity is currently facing through Ijtehad and Ijma, in addition to the aforementioned teachings. The third source of Islamic law is the Ijma. Ijma literally translates as “agreement” or “unity of opinion.” The consensus of the Holy Prophet’s (SAW) companions or contemporary Muslim jurists in their pursuit of the law is known as Ijma. Therefore, Ijma plays a crucial role in offering a consensus-based interpretation of Islamic law when a particular topic is not explicitly addressed in the Quran or Hadith. Initiating a group decision-making process contributes to the preservation of unity among Muslims.
Meaning and purpose of Ijma
Shaykh Ibn’ Uthaymin(May Allah grant him mercy) stated that “Ijma` denotes determination and agreement in linguistic terms. As used in Shar‘i, Ijma’ refers to the consensus reached by the mujtahids of this ummah on a Shar‘i ruling following the passing of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Using the word “agreement” means it cannot claim that there is Ijma ~ if there is even one individual who holds a different perspective. Nonetheless, The agreement of the mujtahids of this ummah following the passing of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) on a shared ruling is known as ijma’ in Shar‘i terminology.
Kinds of Ijma
- Ijma of the Jurists/Aimmah:
This claims that the consensus of contemporary jurists is a religious consensus (Ijma). Following the passing of the Holy Prophet (SAW), Ijma was established. The Holy Prophet (SAW) addressed all questions during his lifetime, regardless of their nature. However, following his passing and as Islam grew, several complicated issues emerged for which the Holy Quran and the Prophet’s (SAW) Sunnah provided no clear guidance. Finding new guidelines and regulations for those topics was therefore necessary. Following deliberations, Muslim jurists made rulings based on the Holy Quran and Sunnah to determine new rules.
- Ijma e Qauli
Ijma-e-Qowli is the process by which Muslim jurists discuss and define a topic orally before coming to a unified speech agreement. In this kind of Ijma, jurists express their opinions on the matter, either positively or negatively, before making a final announcement orally.
- Ijma e Amli
When Muslim jurists reach a unanimous decision on a matter by action, it is known as Ijma-e-Amali. Ijma-e-Amali is used when Muslim jurists unanimously agree that a specific action is acceptable. Ijma-e-Amali-established actions are considered acceptable (Mustahab or Musnoon) and not required (Wajib). For example, The Ijma of Sahaba during the khilafat of Hazrat Umar led to the 20 rakats of Tarawwih Salat that are recited following the Isha prayer during the month of Ramadan. Another illustration of it was The Sahaba belief that the Holy Quran ought to be collected into a book during the khilafat of Hazrat Usman when numerous hafiz-e-Quran were killed in the battle of Yamama. These were the examples of Ijma e Amli.
- Ijma sukuti:
Ijma-e-Sukooti occurs when a group of Muslim jurists unanimously agree on a matter through speech or action, and their decision becomes well-known within their period, yet other Muslim jurists from the same or later eras do not acknowledge it, do not object, and remain silent about it. Muslim jurists who don’t speak up haven’t had time to think about and investigate that specific topic; thus, they don’t have anything to say. For instance, Imam Malik stated: “When there are children or grandchildren through sons, male or female, the generally accepted method of doing things with us is that maternal half-siblings do not inherit anything.” When there is a father or the father’s father, they do not inherit anything. What is outside of that is what they inherit. They receive a sixth if there is just one male or female. Each of them has a sixth if there are two. They split the third, if there are more than that, among themselves. The component of two females is not present in the male.
Importance of Ijma
A- According to the Quran
- To seek guidance in matters not explicitly mentioned by taking guidance from the Quran
Consensus among Islamic scholars, or Ijma, is a crucial instrument for obtaining advice on matters not explicitly covered in the Quran or Hadith. According to the hadith, “My ummah will never agree upon an error,” it represents the consensus of the Muslim community as a whole, which is thought to be impervious to error. By using the core scriptures of Islam, this approach enables academics to understand and apply Islamic teachings to novel situations.
“And if you differ about anything, then refer it to Allah and the messenger”.
Surah Al-Maidah, verse 3
- To foster harmony in society by preventing sectarian divide
Moreover, promoting interfaith communication, bolstering law enforcement to combat intolerance, and addressing socioeconomic inequities are all crucial for fostering social cohesion and preventing sectarian division. Addressing the underlying causes of sectarian conflicts can also be facilitated by promoting international cooperation. According to Surah An-Nisa, verse:59, “O you who have believed, obey Allah and the messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree about anything, then refer it to Allah and the messenger.”
- To prevent the circulation of false beliefs by consulting Islamic teachings
Further, it’s crucial to refer to Islamic teachings by depending on accurate and lucid Qur’anic verses and genuine prophetic traditions in order to stop the spread of erroneous notions. Following the example of early Muslim scholars, interacting with these sources aids in elucidating unclear meanings and dispelling myths. Critical examination of material and ongoing learning are crucial. Important information should always be verified twice to be accurate.
“And consult them in the matter. When you have decided, place your trust in Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who trust in him.”
Al-Shura, verse 38
B- According to Sunnah
- To resolve matters with collective decision
In Islamic jurisprudence, Ijma, or consensus, is a crucial method that enables the Ummah (Muslim community) to interpret and apply Islamic principles collectively in response to current circumstances. By guaranteeing that all community viewpoints are taken into account, this collaborative decision-making process aids in problem-solving and fosters harmony and coherence in the application of Islamic law—for instance, the decision to dig a trench in the battle of the trench.
- To promote unity by ensuring the practice of community consulting
Nonetheless, the Holy Prophet (SAW) stated, “Allah will not cause me to agree on error. “The hand of Allah is on the Jamaat,” which is the primary body of Muslims, and “whoever slips from the Jamaat slips into Hellfire.” This hadith teaches us that, in Allah’s eyes, all of the Muslim Ummah’s uniform behaviours are right. We also discover that, by Allah’s grace and kindness, the Muslim community would never agree on foolish ideas that are displeasing to Allah. This demonstrates that Ijma rulings are always in line with Islamic teachings and need to be obeyed. It also indicates that anyone who disassociates themselves from the Jamaat, the primary Muslim organization, is mistaken and will end up in Hell in the afterlife.
Critical analysis
Critically, Ijma, or consensus among Islamic scholars, is essential for preserving Muslim unity since it offers a group decision-making procedure. After the Qur’an and the Sunnah, it is the third source of Islamic law. As such, it reflects a common understanding of Islamic principles while enabling society to adjust to modern problems. Ijma also functions as a tool for tolerance toward various Islamic customs, which promotes inclusivity and collaboration among different Muslim communities.
Conclusion
In summary, where the Quran and Hadith do not specifically address a given subject, Ijma plays a crucial role in offering a consensus-based interpretation of Islamic law. Initiating a group decision-making process contributes to the preservation of unity among Muslims. Furthermore, the agreement of mujtahids (qualified jurists) on Shari’ah rulings following the Prophet Muhammad’s passing is represented by Ijma, or consensus, which is significant in Islamic jurisprudence. After the Sunna and the Qur’an, it is regarded as the third source of Islamic law. Ijma is essential for establishing a cohesive position on matters not explicitly covered in these foundational sources, guaranteeing the flexibility and applicability of Islamic law in the face of shifting conditions.
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