Ijma’, linguistically meaning agreement or determination, is defined in Islamic jurisprudence as the unanimous consensus of qualified Muslim jurists on a legal ruling after the death of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is considered the third principal source of Islamic law, following the Qur’an and Sunnah. The rationale behind Ijma’ is rooted in the belief that the collective agreement of rightly guided scholars cannot fall into error. It serves not only as a legislative tool but as a moral compass, embodying the unified reasoning of the Ummah on essential matters. Ijma’ reflects the Qur’anic encouragement of mutual consultation and the Prophetic principle that “My Ummah will never agree upon misguidance” (Sunan Ibn Majah).
Follow CPF WhatsApp Channel for Daily Exam Updates
Led by Sir Syed Kazim Ali, Cssprepforum helps 70,000+ aspirants monthly with top-tier CSS/PMS content. Follow our WhatsApp Channel for solved past papers, expert articles, and free study resources shared by qualifiers and high scorers.
Evidence of Ijma’ from the Qur’an and Sunnah
Though the Qur’an does not explicitly use the term Ijma’, its principles of collective consultation and unity form the conceptual basis for it. In Surah Ash-Shura, Allah commands, “And consult them in affairs. Then when you have decided, put your trust in Allah” (42:38). Similarly, Surah Aal-e-Imran emphasizes: "You are the best nation raised for mankind...” (3:110). This highlights the collective responsibility of the Ummah in safeguarding truth. From the Sunnah, the Prophet said, “Allah will never allow my Ummah to agree upon an error” (Musnad Ahmad). These foundational texts confirm that consensus, when formed by learned, pious jurists, is divinely endorsed as a means of preserving the faith.
Categories and Types of Ijma’
Islamic scholars classify Ijma’ into several kinds based on its scope and certainty:
1. Explicit Ijma’ (Ijma’ Sarih)
This occurs when all jurists of a particular era openly agree on a specific ruling. It holds the highest authority and is binding upon future generations.
2. Silent Ijma’ (Ijma’ Sukuti)
In this form, some jurists express an opinion while others remain silent without objection. Although not as strong as explicit Ijma’, it is accepted by many schools as valid in certain cases.
3. General Ijma
Consensus of jurists throughout the Muslim world, regardless of their geographic location. This form carries universal weight.
4. Local Ijma
Agreement among jurists in a specific region or school of thought. Though less authoritative, it holds practical value within its context.
5. Ijma’ of the Companions (Ijma’ al-Sahabah)
The consensus of the Prophet’s companions after his death is given exceptional status due to their direct access to revelation and Prophetic training. Each of these types has played a role in shaping Islamic law and theology over the centuries.
Functions and Importance of Ijma’ in Islamic Legislation
Ijma’ plays a vital role in several aspects of Islamic law:
1. Legal Continuity: Ijma’ ensures the consistent application of Islamic rulings by consolidating scholarly interpretation across generations.
2. Conflict Resolution: It serves as a mechanism to resolve juristic disputes and prevent sectarianism by upholding agreed-upon truths.
3. Adaptation to Change: Through Ijma', jurists can apply Islamic principles to new situations without compromising core values.
4. Unification of the Ummah: It reinforces unity by maintaining collective agreement on foundational beliefs and practices.
5. Protection from Deviation: Ijma’ acts as a safeguard against innovations and heresies, preserving the purity of Islamic doctrine.
In essence, Ijma’ operates as the living spirit of Islamic jurisprudence, ensuring its relevance across time and space.
CSS Solved Islamiat Past Papers from 2010 to Date by Miss Ayesha Irfan
Gain unmatched conceptual clarity with CSS Solved Islamiat (2010 – To Date) by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the definitive guide to mastering Islamiat for CSS with precision, insight, and unwavering confidence!
Historical Applications of Ijma’ in the Early Islamic Period
The concept of Ijma’ was practically implemented during the rule of the rightly guided caliphs. For instance, the compilation of the Qur’an under Abu Bakr (RA) and Uthman (RA) was an act of Ijma’ among the companions to preserve the text. Similarly, the establishment of the Islamic calendar, the system of Bayt al-Mal (public treasury), and rules on taxation during Umar’s caliphate were based on collective consultation and scholarly consensus. These decisions were not found explicitly in the Qur’an or Sunnah but were derived through Ijma’, illustrating its dynamic role in Islamic governance.
Contemporary Relevance of Ijma’ in Islamic Law
In today’s complex world, where Muslims face new challenges in science, economics, politics, and bioethics, Ijma’ continues to serve as a vital tool for Islamic legal reasoning. Modern scholars and institutions like the International Islamic Fiqh Academy utilise Ijma’ to address issues such as organ donation, digital finance, and climate change. While achieving global consensus is more difficult today, Ijma’ among experts remains a feasible and effective method to provide unified guidance on emerging matters. It ensures that solutions remain faithful to Islamic principles while addressing the needs of contemporary society.
Limitations and Conditions for Valid Ijma’
For Ijma’ to be valid, certain conditions must be met:
1. The consensus must be among qualified mujtahideen (independent jurists).
2. It must not contradict any clear text of the Qur’an or authentic Hadith.
3. It should be formed after the Prophet’s death, as no new legislation was needed during his lifetime.
4. The issue in question must be of legal or doctrinal importance.
Without fulfilling these conditions, any claim of consensus may be rejected as speculative or incomplete. In conclusion, Ijma’ is a pillar of Islamic jurisprudence that upholds the unity, consistency, and adaptability of the Shariah. Rooted in the collective wisdom of the Ummah’s scholars, it complements the Qur’an and Sunnah by ensuring that Islamic law evolves in a principled manner. The various types of Ijma’ reflect its flexibility, while its conditions ensure its reliability. In a time when divisions and ideological uncertainties abound, the revival of Ijma’ as a serious scholarly endeavor can help guide Muslim societies toward cohesive, balanced, and principled decision-making. The enduring legacy of Ijma’ reminds the Ummah that unity in truth is not only possible, it is divinely sanctioned.
