CSS 2011 Solved Islamiat Past Papers | Ijtehad for the Solution to the New Problems of the Muslim Ummah
The following question of CSS Islamiat 2011 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
This question asks for a discussion on the importance of Ijtehad in solving contemporary issues faced by the Muslim Ummah, highlighting its role in offering solutions. It requires identifying key institutions, such as the International Islamic Fiqh Academy and Dar al-Ifta, that facilitate Ijtehad, as well as addressing the challenges to its implementation today, including divergence of opinions, resistance to change, and the lack of qualified scholars. The focus should be on how Ijtehad can be a tool for addressing political, economic, and social issues, while acknowledging the obstacles it faces.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Debunking the Concept of Ijtehad
3-Challenges Faced by the Muslim Ummah Today
- ✓Political Issues
- ✓Economic Problems
- ✓Social Issues
- ✓Technological Challenges
4- Role of Ijtehad in Solving Contemporary Issues
- ✓Reinterpreting Islamic Law
- ✓Flexibility and Adaptation
5- Institutions Capable of Offering Solutions Through Ijtehad
- ✓International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA)
- ✓Dar al-Ifta (Islamic Fatwa Institutions)
- ✓Islamic Research Institutes (e.g., Al-Azhar University, Qarawiyyin University)
- ✓Role of National Islamic Institutions
6- Challenges in Implementing Ijtehad Today
- ✓Divergence of Opinions
- ✓Resistance to Change
- ✓Lack of Qualified Scholars
7- Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
The Muslim Ummah today faces numerous challenges, including political instability, economic inequality, and social issues, many of which are not directly addressed in classical Islamic jurisprudence. To tackle these modern problems, Ijtehad, independent legal reasoning based on Islamic sources, is essential. Ijtehad allows for the adaptation of Islamic principles to contemporary issues.
Debunking the Concept of Ijtehad
Ijtehad is often misunderstood as a free reinterpretation of Islamic teachings, but it is actually a disciplined, scholarly process based on the Qur’an, Sunnah, and established principles of jurisprudence. It involves methods like Qiyas (analogy) and Istihsan (juridical preference), ensuring that any legal reasoning stays true to Islamic values. Ijtehad is not a personal opinion but requires deep knowledge of Islamic sciences and is conducted by qualified scholars. It allows Islamic law to adapt to new circumstances while maintaining its core principles.
Challenges Faced by the Muslim Ummah Today
Political Issues
First of all, the Muslim Ummah today faces significant political challenges, including disunity and conflicts within Muslim-majority countries. A prominent example of this is the ongoing conflict in Yemen, which has led to a humanitarian crisis affecting millions. Despite multiple attempts at peace negotiations, there is a lack of cohesion both within the country and among regional powers, exacerbating the situation. The Qur’an stresses the importance of unity, stating, “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided…” (Surah Al-Imran, 3:103). In the modern context, the lack of unified leadership in Yemen and the failure to prevent external interventions have only deepened the crisis, underscoring the need for unity and strong governance in the Muslim world.
Economic Problems
Second, economic challenges, such as poverty, unemployment, and the prevalence of interest-based financial systems, continue to affect the Muslim world. For instance, in countries like Pakistan, youth unemployment is a growing issue, contributing to high levels of frustration and social unrest. The nation’s reliance on foreign loans and an interest-based financial system perpetuates economic instability, making it difficult to create sustainable growth. The Qur’an explicitly condemns riba (usury), saying, “O you who have believed, do not consume riba, doubled and multiplied, but fear Allah…” (Surah Al-Imran, 3:130). Muslim nations can address these systemic issues and promote equitable growth by adopting Islamic finance principles, such as profit-sharing models.
Social Issues
Third, social issues such as family breakdown, moral decline, and gender inequality are prevalent in many Muslim societies today. For example, in countries like Turkey and Tunisia, rising divorce rates and challenges to traditional family values reflect broader shifts in social norms, particularly among the youth. The growing influence of secularism and Western cultural norms exacerbates this. The Qur’an emphasizes the importance of family, stating, “And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him with hardship upon hardship…” (Surah Luqman, 31:14). To address these challenges, Muslim societies must reinforce the importance of family and moral values, as well as integrate Islamic principles in their social policies.
Technological Challenges
Fourth, advancements in technology have created new ethical challenges for the Muslim Ummah, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), surveillance, and biotechnology. A current example is the increasing use of AI for mass surveillance in countries like China, where Muslim minorities, including the Uighurs, are subject to constant monitoring, raising concerns about privacy and human rights violations. The Qur’an promotes responsible knowledge and its ethical use, saying, “He Who has taught man the use of the pen, taught him that which he knew not” (Surah Al-Alaq, 96:4-5). Islamic scholars, through Ijtehad, can offer guidance on ensuring that technology is used in a manner that respects human dignity and aligns with Islamic ethical standards.
Role of Ijtehad in Solving Contemporary Issues
Ijtehad allows for the reinterpretation of Islamic law to address modern challenges. It provides flexibility to apply Islamic principles to new situations, such as the ethical questions surrounding cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. A prominent example is the fatwa issued by prominent scholars in countries like Malaysia and the UAE, which assessed the permissibility of digital currencies based on Islamic guidelines related to trade, speculation, and risk. This process ensures that Islamic teachings remain relevant and adaptable to contemporary issues without compromising core values.
Institutions Capable of Offering Solutions Through Ijtehad
International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA)
The International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA), established by the OIC, offers solutions through Ijtehad by bringing together scholars to address modern issues. For example, the IIFA has provided guidance on Islamic banking practices, such as Mudarabah and Musharakah, ensuring they align with Islamic principles while adapting to the modern economy. This highlights the academy’s use of Ijtehad to address contemporary financial challenges.
Dar al-Ifta (Islamic Fatwa Institutions)
Furthermore, Dar al-Ifta institutions issue fatwas on contemporary issues through Ijtehad. For example, Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyya in Egypt has issued fatwas on the permissibility of online transactions, ensuring that they align with Islamic teachings. These institutions are key in offering Islamic legal guidance on modern issues like technology, finance, and social concerns.
Islamic Research Institutes (e.g., Al-Azhar University, Qarawiyyin University)
Moreover, Islamic research institutes like Al-Azhar University in Egypt and Qarawiyyin University in Morocco produce scholars who apply Ijtehad to modern challenges. Al-Azhar’s fatwa in 2010, allowing organ donation to save lives, is a prominent example of how Ijtehad adapts Islamic law to contemporary medical issues, showing these institutions’ vital role in modern Islamic jurisprudence.
Role of National Islamic Institutions
Lastly, National Islamic institutions, such as Pakistan’s Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), offer Ijtehad-based solutions to local issues. For example, the CII has advised on family law and the legal status of women in Pakistan, ensuring that laws align with Islamic teachings while addressing contemporary needs. These institutions help bridge the gap between traditional Islamic law and modern societal realities.
Challenges in Implementing Ijtehad Today -A Critical View
Critically, the implementation of Ijtehad faces challenges like divergence of opinions, resistance to change, and a lack of qualified scholars. For instance, the debate over the permissibility of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin has led to differing opinions among scholars, with some opposing it and others supporting its use within Islamic principles. Additionally, resistance from conservative segments and the shortage of scholars skilled in both Islamic law and modern fields like economics limit the effective use of Ijtehad in addressing contemporary issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ijtehad remains a vital tool for addressing contemporary challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah, offering solutions rooted in Islamic principles while adapting to modern realities. Despite challenges like divergent opinions, resistance to change, and a shortage of qualified scholars, the role of Ijtehad in shaping relevant and ethical solutions is undeniable. By strengthening institutions capable of conducting Ijtehad and ensuring a new generation of scholars is equipped to tackle modern issues, the Muslim world can continue to uphold its values while navigating the complexities of today’s world.
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