Interpreting Shariah using ijtihad
I can explain the meaning of ijtihad and how it might be interpreted and applied by Muslims today.
Interpreting Shariah using ijtihad
I can explain the meaning of ijtihad and how it might be interpreted and applied by Muslims today.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Muslim thinking has developed since Prophet Muhammad. A challenge has been to respond to ideas not in Qur'an or Hadith.
- The term ‘ijtihad’ comes from the word jihad, which means struggle, effort or fight.
- Ijtihad is the method of using the principles of the Qur'an and Hadith to identify the best action.
- Using ijtihad may result in different interpretations which lead to diversity of thought amongst different Muslims.
Keywords
Hadith - the recorded words of the Prophet Muhammad
Ijtihad - the human effort and reasoning used to work out the Shariah
Interpretation - the action of explaining the meaning of something
Shariah - a set of moral and religious laws that guide Muslims
Common misconception
All Muslims will come to the same conclusion about a moral or social issue.
Different scholars will interpret sources differently meaning there is a diversity of opinion about issues such as the Eid moon sighting, and wearing of trousers and beards.
To help you plan your year 9 religious education lesson on: Interpreting Shariah using ijtihad, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 religious education lesson on: Interpreting Shariah using ijtihad, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Explore more key stage 3 religious education lessons from the Religious law: What is the social context and relevance today? unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended