Ijma

Ijma

Definition

Ijma (Arabic: إجماع‎, Turkish: İcma) denotes the consensus or agreement among the Muslim community or scholars on a particular issue in Islamic law. It is recognized as one of the four primary sources of Sunni Islamic jurisprudence, utilized in instances where the Quran and Sunnah are silent or ambiguous.

Etymology

The term “Ijma” derives from the Arabic roots of جمع (jama’a), which means “to gather” or “to agree.” It signifies a collective agreement or consensus.

Sources of Islamic Law

Ijma is one of the four recognized sources of Sunni Islamic law, ranking third in priority:

1. Quran: The holy scripture of Islam.
2. Sunnah: Traditions and practices of the Prophet Muhammad.
3. Ijma: Consensus.
4. Qiyas: Analogical reasoning.

Utilization and Authority

Ijma is invoked when there is no clear directive from the Quran or Sunnah. Debates persist on whose opinions constitute ijma, with some asserting it pertains solely to scholars’ views, while others argue it includes the broader Muslim community. Generally agreed upon instances of ijma include the consensus of Muhammad’s Companions, the residents of Medina, or the Prophet’s family.

Once ijma is established, it serves as a significant precedent. While considered authoritative, it generally cannot contravene statements established in the Quran or Sunnah, reflecting mainstream juristic opinion.

Binding Force

The binding nature of ijma is supported by a hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad: “My community will never agree on an error.” This hadith underlines the theological justification for ijma’s authority in Islamic jurisprudence.

Ijma in Shiite Islam

In Twelver Shiism, ijma is not viewed as an infallible or definitive source of law akin to its Sunni counterpart. Instead, consultation (shura) and other methods, including modern legislative bodies, are considered to formulate consensus relevant in contemporary contexts.

Suggested Readings for Further Study

• “The Origins of Muhammadan Jurisprudence” by Joseph Schacht
• “Islamic Jurisprudence: An International Perspective” by Taha Jabir Al-Alwani
• “The Early Development of Islamic Jurisprudence” by Ahmad Hasan
• “A History of Islamic Legal Theories” by Wael B. Hallaq

Takeaways

1. Source Hierarchy: Ijma is the third source in the hierarchy of Sunni Islamic law after the Quran and Sunnah.
2. Consensus Scope: There is considerable debate regarding whose consensus counts – scholars’ only or the entire community.
3. Binding Nature: Ijma, once established, holds significant weight but generally must align with the Quran and Sunnah.
4. Shiite Perspective: In Twelver Shiism, ijma has a less defined binding force and modern approaches to consensus are encouraged.

Conclusion

Ijma serves as a fundamental principle in Sunni jurisprudence reflecting communal or scholarly consensus on legal matters not explicitly covered by primary texts. While it embodies unity and collective decision-making, its application and scope continue to be areas of scholarly dialogue and debate.