A Comparative Study of the Scope and Impact of Ijtihad and Modernity

Abstract

This research paper presents a comparative analysis of the scope and impact of ijtihad and modernity, highlighting their respective roles in addressing contemporary moral, economic, and social challenges. Ijtihad, rooted in Islamic jurisprudence, leverages foundational principles from the Holy Quran and Hadith to inform human intellect and guide the development of solutions tailored to societal needs. In contrast, modernity, which emerged in the Western context, prioritizes reason and empirical evidence, often marginalizing religious insights. This study underscores the necessity of exploring this topic, given the increasing complexity of global issues that demand multifaceted approaches. By examining how ijtihad integrates divine guidance with human reasoning and how modernity relies on rational thought and scientific progress, we aim to identify their contributions to human development. The paper investigates the potential for harmonizing these paradigms to foster a balanced approach to solving contemporary problems. The findings suggest that integrating ijtihad’s spiritual and moral insights with the empirical rigor of modernity can enhance our capacity to address today’s challenges, promoting a more holistic and sustainable path to progress.