Mujtahids

A mujtahid is a qualified Islamic jurist authorized to perform ijtihad, the process of independent legal reasoning to derive rulings from primary sources such as the Quran and the Sunnah, along with traditional legal principles and methods. A mujtahid’s work results in legal opinions, or fatwas, that address questions of worship, personal status, family law, and other aspects of Islamic life. The status relies on extensive training in Islamic law, theology, Arabic, and hermeneutics, typically through traditional scholarly institutions and teachers.

In Sunni Islam, the term applies to jurists capable of independent legal reasoning. Classical schools of law produced well-known mujtahids who could issue new rulings rather than solely following established precedents. In many historical and contemporary contexts, ordinary Muslims are expected to follow the rulings of a mujtahid or a recognized legal school (madhab) rather than conducting personal ijtihad on every issue. Today, the practice of independent ijtihad is less common, and taqlid (emulation of a chosen authority) remains prevalent in many communities.

In Shia Islam, particularly among Twelver Shiites, mujtahids play a central role in deriving and explaining legal rulings. The highest-ranking mujtahids may become marja’ taqlid, or sources of emulation, whom followers rely on for guidance. Other qualified mujtahids can issue fatawa and contribute to juridical discourse, with their authority often evaluated through scholarly networks and endorsements. The system emphasizes ongoing scholarly authorization and guidance, especially in the post-Occultation era, when living grand ayatollahs provide practical rulings for adherents.

Across traditions, mujtahids shape interpretation of religious law, balancing text, tradition, and reason within evolving communities.