The Mechanism of Utilizing Other Sciences in Jurisprudence for Understanding Specialized Subjects

Document Type : Original Article

Author

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10.22081/jf.2025.69708.2833

Abstract

Ijtihad is a process composed of understanding the subject and deducing the ruling, where identifying the subject precedes deducing the ruling. A large number of the subjects to which juristic rulings apply are purely conventional (‘urfī) in nature, and identifying them is not the responsibility of the jurist but of the individual obligated to act. However, due to the complexity and specialized nature of some subjects, it is not feasible for the individual to make such determinations independently. In light of the increasing expansion of specialized and novel issues, this article highlights the necessity of utilizing other sciences and explains the mechanism for employing them in understanding such subjects. Using a qualitative analytical method based on genealogical analysis (tabarshenāsi), the process is outlined in two main stages: Stage One: Acquiring Information from Other Sciences, which includes the following steps: 1. Determining the type of subject in terms of the degree of Sharīʿa involvement; 2. Identifying relevant juristic titles and aspects connected with the sciences; 3. Determining the sciences related to the specific subject; 4. Consulting experts in the relevant field; 5. Collecting influential information related to the juristic dimensions of the subject. Stage two involves analyzing the information and issuing a fatwa, which includes the following steps:
1. Jurisprudential analysis of information obtained from other sciences
2. Identifying solutions to cognitive obstacles 3. Final synthesis of data gathered from other sciences 4. Establishing a connection between the final result and juristic dimensions and categories 5. Performing ijtihad and issuing a fatwa on the given subject

Keywords

Main Subjects


* The Holy Quran
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