Ijtihad

1 definition found

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  ijtihad
       n : 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
           itjihad is a prerequisite for the survival of Islam"