By IINA,
Makkah : Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al Sudais, imam and khateeb of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, said that Islam has given a high status to “Ijtihad” or giving independent judgment or opinion in a legal or theological matter. In a recent Friday sermon at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, he drew attention to the fact that Ijtihad is an essential part of the Islamic Shariah and there are rules and safeguards governing it. Ijtihad is giving an independent opinion or judgment on matters that have not been set out explicitly in the religious texts. Quoting the Prophet (peace be upon him), he said if a trustworthy religious scholar gives an independent opinion but is wrong in his judgment or opinion, he will receive one reward from Allah, but if he reaches a right decision he will be given double reward.
Sheikh Al-Sudais warned against belittling the Ulama and religious scholars and casting doubts about their capabilities. He also warned against pitching one set of opinion against another and arousing the feelings of the public against the Ulema and causing turmoil in the society. He called for deliberation, careful consideration and being fair to them. He warned against fanaticism and thinking ill of the Ulema. Sheikh Al Sudais said “Among the issues involving Ijtihad that were discussed by some people without careful consideration is one concerning one of the pillars of Islam and one of the most honorable acts of worship.
It is not an issue for the people or the society, but it is an issue concerning religion, the Shariah and the Ummah. The issue is the expansion of the Masa’a in the Grand Mosque of Makkah.” Sheikh Al-Sudais said it is a blessed expansion and lauded the efforts of the rulers whose aim is to reduce the overcrowding and facilitate matters for the pilgrims during Haj and Umrah so that they can perform their rites with ease. He said prior to commencing the expansion, the rulers took the opinion of the eminent Ulama from different parts of the world and they all supported this meritorious endeavor. The rulers also studied the matter carefully before ordering construction work. Sheikh Al-Sudais stressed, “Therefore, the Ijtihad to expand the Masa’a is unexceptionable and laudable. He said the ruler has based his decision on the need to serve the interests of the Muslims provided it is compliant with the Shariah texts and the Fiqh schools.”