The Role of Ijtihad in the Renewal of Islamic Thought

Abstract

Basically, there are two sources of Islamic law and thought, the Qur'an and as-Sunnah as a standard source and ijtihad as a source of dynamics (source of development). Ijtihad is the use of critical and in-depth reasoning to understand the depth and breadth of the content of the verses of the Qur'an and al-Sunnah. In other words, ijtihad is an effort to think optimally and seriously in exploring Islamic law from its source, in order to obtain answers to new issues of legal and civilizational nature. However, over the course of several centuries, Ijtihad has had its ups and downs. This is because there is a rigid understanding of the concept of ijtihad and is bound by certain criteria. Therefore, this article attempts to examine the instrumental role of Ijtihad in revitalization of Islamic thought, to create an accommodative legal solution, regulate all problems and challenges that arise in a justice manner and bring the benefit of the Islamic ummah.