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In this lecture, we discuss Ijma (Consensus) — one of the secondary sources of Islamic law — and explain how it is used in Islamic legal thinking.

🔹 Meaning of Ijma

Ijma means a collective agreement. In Islamic terminology, it refers to the unanimous agreement of qualified Islamic jurists on a particular issue where the Qur’an and Sunnah have not given a clear or direct ruling.

When such an issue arises, scholars discuss it in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah, and once they reach a unanimous decision, that ruling becomes binding upon the Muslim community.

🔹 Proof of Ijma from Qur’an and Hadith

Ijma is validated through the Qur’an and the sayings of the Prophet ﷺ.

Allah says in:

Qur'an (Surah An-Nisa 4:115):
“…and follows other than the believers’ way…”

Surah An-Nisa 4:59:
“Obey Allah, obey the Messenger and those in authority among you…”

Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:110:
“You are the best nation raised for mankind…”

The Prophet ﷺ also said:

“My nation will never agree unanimously upon an error.”

“Follow the majority body…”

“The hand of Allah is with the community.”

These evidences show that collective agreement of the Muslim community holds authority.

🔹 Kinds of Ijma

1️⃣ General Ijma in matters of belief
Example: Belief that the Qur’an was revealed by Allah and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the last Messenger.

2️⃣ Legal Ijma in practical matters
Example: Agreement on legal rulings where Qur’an and Sunnah are not explicit.

🔹 Methods of Ijma

Ittefaq-ul-Qaul – Verbal agreement of scholars

Ittefaq-ul-Fi‘l – Agreement through action

Ittefaq-ul-Sukut – Silent approval when scholars do not object

🔹 Ijma of the Companions

We discuss important historical examples:

✔ Appointment of Abu Bakr as the first Caliph
✔ Compilation of the Qur’an during the caliphate of Umar
✔ Punishment of drinkers suggested by Ali
✔ Congregational Tarawih prayer during Umar’s time
✔ Second Adhan of Friday prayer during the caliphate of Uthman

🔹 Ijma After the Companions’ Era

We also examine modern examples of consensus, such as:

Ruling on interest (Riba) in conventional banking

Declaration of Qadyanis as non-believers in 1974 (Pakistan Assembly)

Scholarly rulings on IVF within Islamic guidelines

These examples show how Ijma continues to address new issues in contemporary times.

🔹 Whose Ijma is Authority?

There is a difference of opinion:

Some accept only the Ijma of the Companions

Some consider the scholars of Madinah

Some emphasize the Rightly Guided Caliphs

According to Shia belief, the Ijma of the Imams is authority

The majority view holds that the consensus of qualified scholars of all ages is authoritative

Ijma plays a vital role in preserving unity and providing Islamic solutions to new and emerging issues in every era.

📘 Subject: Islamic Law (Sources of Shari‘ah)
🎓 For: O Level Islamiyat 2058 – Paper 2
📚 Definition | Proof | Types | Historical Examples | Modern Application | Exam Preparation