Dr. Yūsuf Al-Qaraḍāwī's Concept of Ijtihād and the Modern Era: A Research Study

This research study explores Dr. Yūsuf Al-Qaraḍāwī’s concept of ijtihād and its relevance in the modern era. Al-Qaraḍāwī is widely regarded as one of the most influential contemporary Islamic scholars who has attempted to bridge the gap between classical Islamic jurisprudence and the rapidly changing realities of modern life. The study highlights that, in his view, ijtihad is not merely a juristic tool for issuing legal rulings, but a continuous intellectual process aimed at preserving the spirit of Sharī’ah while addressing emerging social, economic, and scientific challenges.The research finds that Al-Qaraḍāwī emphasizes essential conditions for ijtihād, including a strong understanding of primary Islamic sources (Qur’ān and Sunnah), awareness of the objectives of Sharī’ah (Maqāṣid al- Sharī’ah), and a deep comprehension of contemporary realities. He strongly advocates for “contemporary ijtihād” as a necessary mechanism to overcome intellectual stagnation (taqlīd) and to provide relevant guidance to the Muslim Ummah in modern contexts. Furthermore, the study shows that his approach contributes significantly to aligning Islamic jurisprudence with modern issues such as governance, finance, biotechnology, and social change. By promoting flexibility within the framework of authentic Islamic principles, Al-Qaraḍāwī’s thought ensures that Islamic law remains dynamic and applicable across different eras.