IJC 404 Contemporary Islamic Jurisprudence and Reasoning (Ijtihad)

This course offers an in-depth understanding of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) by exploring its theoretical foundations and contemporary relevance. Students study the tools of Islamic legal reasoning—ijtihad—and examine interpretive methodologies across various schools of Islamic law (madhāhib). The course also addresses the evolving relationship between Sharīʿah and governing systems in diverse societies. Students analyze selected areas of substantive Islamic law, including commercial, criminal, and family law. They critically evaluate key methods of legal interpretation, such as Qurʾanic hermeneutics, Prophetic tradition (ḥadīth) analysis, analogical reasoning (qiyās), and scholarly consensus (ijmāʿ). By studying differences among modern jurists, students gain insight into how contemporary reasoning shapes Islamic law today. The course also investigates modern initiatives in legal and political reform, comparing classical, pre-modern, and contemporary approaches. Students are encouraged to think critically, engage in analytical discussions, and develop informed critiques of modern jurisprudential trends. Throughout, they explore how Islamic legal principles apply to specific doctrinal areas, strengthening their ability to understand and evaluate fiqh in the modern era.