Religious Studies A-Level
Ijtihad
What Ijtihad means in Religious Studies A-Level, as defined for AQA, Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Ijtihad
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
The exercise of critical thinking and independent reasoning by a jurist to find a legal solution where the Qur'an and Sunnah are not explicit.
The process of making a legal decision by independent interpretation of the legal sources, the Quran and the Sunnah.
Topics that use Ijtihad
- Islam: Gender and sexuality (AQA A-Level)
- Islam – Religion and society: Multi-faith societies, pluralism, gender, and interfaith dialogue (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
Related terms
Using Ijtihad in the exam
Definition questions usually carry one or two marks, and examiners look for the precise wording. Write the definition from memory, check it against the version above, and then use the term in a longer answer on the same topic so it sticks.
Practise Religious Studies questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Religious Studies A-Level terms7 days Premium · Then free forever · No card, no charge