By TwoCircles.net News Desk,
New Delhi: A two-day international seminar on “Theory of Islamic Law: The Methodology of Ijtehad” was held at Kashmir University from July 18-19 jointly by the university’s Department of Law and Institute of Objective Studies (New Delhi).
“The door of ijtehad (logical reasoning in approaching issues of Islamic jurisprudence) has been opened wide, not shut, as erroneously believed by many Muslims”, chairman of Institute of Objective Studies (IOS) Dr Mohammad Manzoor Alam said.
He cited examples of ijtehad in Hazrat Umar’s caliphate. One was regarding the amputation of a thief’s hand. The law was amended in the case of theft of food items during famine. This amended law is applicable even today in food-scarce areas.
Another case of ijtehad he cited from the same period was that of horse being declared as property. During the Prophet’s time only other animals like goats and camels were “property” on which zakat was due. During Hazrat Umar’s time horse, too, became property and was brought within the ambit of zakat.
The following set of resolutions was adopted at the end:
This experience confirms that the IOS would follow collaborative efforts to organise more conferences and seminars with the Department of Law and other faculties and departments of the University of Kashmir.
1. All efforts should be made to bring intellectuals and ulema closer for exchange of ideas, particularly on Islamic themes and areas of national development.
2. Areas of inter-community and inter-faith linkages and relations are to be worked out for joint efforts in fields of research, conducting surveys, publication and holding conferences and seminars.
3. The University of Kashmir should also be meaningfully associated with the IOS in areas of youth and women’s education and welfare. Projects and schemes may be worked out based on mutual consultations.
4. The IOS has a long association with the University in the field of its schemes of award of scholarships. The IOS is working hard to launch many fresh schemes of award and scholarships. All efforts should be made for creating viable mechanisms for scholars and students of the University to be associated with the Institute in these areas.
5. The conference calls upon the Islamic Ummah to adopt a more meaningful and constructive approach towards Ijtehad that can prove to be a useful in solving the problems facing the ummah in line with the spirit of the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah. The collaborative efforts of Universities, research institutes and civil society need to be worked out.