mujtahid

A mujtahid is a Muslim scholar who engages in ijtihad, the independent reasoning used to derive legal rulings in Islamic jurisprudence. The term comes from the Arabic verb ijtaha, meaning to strive or exert effort, and the noun مجتهد (mujtahid) denotes “one who makes a strenuous effort.” A mujtahid applies the principles of usul al-fiqh to interpret the Qur’an, hadith, and other sources to issue rulings on areas where texts are ambiguous or silent.

In practice, a mujtahid attempts to formulate legal opinions (fiqh) rather than simply following established precedents. Those who imitate a recognized authority without independent legal reasoning are called muqallid or, in some contexts, simply followers. The distinction between mujtahid and muqallid is central to debates over renewal and reform in Islamic law.

Sunni Islam historically recognized many mujtahids and, over time, practice in many communities emphasized taqlid (imitative faith) of established authorities within the four traditional schools of law. Today, some scholars still hold that qualified jurists can exercise ijtihad, while others emphasize taqlid for most lay Muslims.

In Twelver Shi’a Islam, a mujtahid mutlaq is a jurist authorized to perform independent reasoning and issue legal opinions on all topics. A marja’ al-taqlid is a senior mujtahid whose rulings are followed by adherents. The mujtahid’s work remains central to evolving jurisprudence, with contemporary scholars continuing to seek new applications of ijtihad within the framework of their legal traditions.