ijtihad

1 definition found

ijtihad - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  ijtihad
      n 1: the endeavor of a Moslem scholar to derive a rule of divine
           law from the Koran and Hadith without relying on the views
           of other scholars; by the end of the 10th century
           theologians decided that debate on such matters would be
           closed and Muslim theology and law were frozen; "some
           reform-minded Islamic scholars believe that reopening
           ijtihad is a prerequisite for the survival of Islam"