Did the Prophet practice Ijtihad? An Inquiry into the Prophet's Personal Opinion-Based Juridical and Judicial Ruling

Abstract

This research paper delves into the intriguing question of whether the Prophet Muhammad practiced Ijtihad, issuing personal opinion-based juridical or judicial rulings without explicit divine revelation. It explores the varying perspectives of jurists and Muslim scholars on this matter, with some permitting the Prophet's reliance on his intellect and understanding for issues related to worldly affairs, such as politics, war, agriculture, and judicial cases but not religious matters. The distinction between purely religious and public affairs is supported by numerous texts and narrations. The paper discusses the controversy arising from conflicting interpretations of Quranic and Hadith texts regarding the Prophet's reliance on divine revelation versus his judgment. While some argue that all the Prophet's statements are revelations from God, others point to instances where his opinions were not based on revelation but on Ijtihad. Furthermore, this study underscores the narrower application of Ijtihad in strictly religious matters compared to its broader use in non-theological affairs, adapting to changing situations and times. This controversy prompts a reevaluation of the rigid adherence to the Prophet's tradition in all aspects of Muslim life. It raises questions about the adaptability of these traditions to contemporary situations influenced by politics, technology, culture, and social values. The paper concludes by advocating for a thoughtful categorization of the Prophet's traditions, such as Fatwahs, judicial, theology, politics, personal matters, social, and cultural issues, to determine their relevance and obligatory status for the Muslim community. This categorization, the paper argues, would provide a solid framework for applying the Prophet's tradition, taking into account the dynamic nature of public affairs.