Consensus According to the Scholars of Juristic Methodology (Al Ijma Ind Al Usuliyiin)-


Publisher: Cairo: Dar al-Risalah, 2002.

Through his different books on Juristic Methodology, Dr. Ali places huge importance on the issue of ijma’ or consensus as being one of the main four principle tools in the methodology of Islamic Jurisprudence. Whether dogmas, laws, or norms, Ijma, once played a key role in the integration of the Muslim community, had always been recognized to have a pivotal role in Islamic discourse and socio-religious unity, and this explains its special importance among Muslim Scholars in all of their fields of specialty.

This book is a scholarly treatment of the doctrine of consensus, as one of the main four principle tools in the methodology of Islamic Jurisprudence. In his book, Dr. Ali explains in a bit of detailed manner the meaning, basis, and function of consensus as represented in the classical works of juristic methodology.

Despite the clarity of the Ijma doctrine as an essential tool for extracting Islamic rulings, the definition of the term itself never had that consensus throughout the history of Islamic thought. The book offers ample illustration of the prevalent problems and challenges pertaining to Ijma, enlightening the reader about much of the argument and defense of the doctrine’s continued relevance today.

Dr. Ali starts his book with an introduction on the importance of ijma’ as a safeguard for the Islamic identity. This is shown through the preserving role that ijam’ plays as it transfers the basic tenants of Islam from one generation to another.
The first chapter discusses the definition of ijma’ and the differences that the scholars had in determining its exact meaning. The second chapter which represents the bulk of the book tackles the importance of the authoritative nature of ijma’ and its impact on different juristic issues. Then in the third chapter Dr. Ali points out the proofs and the evidence of the authoritative nature of ijma’ extracting it from the Quran, the Sunnah and through logic. In the last two chapters, discusses the essentiality of the doctrine of consensus and its relevance to our today’s lives.