(derived from the Arabic root j-h-d, meaning ‘to make an effort’, ‘exertion’, or ‘endeavour’.) In Muslim law, the term ijtihād refers to an independent mode of individual reasoning or interpretation using specific methods and sources to arrive at solutions to new legal problems. Ijtihād is applied to communal issues not covered explicitly in the Holy Qur’an or the Sunna of Prophet Muhammad. The one who is qualified to practice ijtihād is called a mujtahid. The use of ijtihād became prominent in the middle of the 2nd AH/8th CE century. With the establishment of the four Sunni schools of Muslim law (between 2nd AH/8th CE century until the early 4th AH/10th CE century), it came to be understood amongst many Sunni communities that all the essential questions had been discussed and settled by the opinions of medieval scholars. This led to what is known in Muslim traditions as ‘the closing of the door of ijtihād’.
