Ushul Fiqih in Era of The Prophet and Companions: A Comperative Historical Analysis

Abstract

Studies on ijtihad in addressing contemporary issues have become increasingly important as modern life grows more complexa complexity not fully addressed in classical normative texts. This study aims to analyze the concept and development of ijtihad from classical and contemporary perspectives, examine its relevance in addressing various modern issues, and formulate a more integrative and practical approach to ijtihad in the development of Islamic law. This study employs a qualitative method using a content analysis approach. Data sources were drawn from various primary and secondary literature, including works by classical scholars and contemporary thinkers, scientific journal articles, and relevant academic documents, selected using purposive sampling. Data were analyzed thematically through the stages of reduction, categorization, interpretation, and critical conclusion-drawing. The results of the study indicate that ijtihad plays a strategic role as an epistemological instrument that enables Islamic law to remain dynamic, adaptive, and contextual in facing the challenges of the times. Furthermore, there has been a paradigm shift from a textual approach toward a contextual approach based on maqashid al-shari’ah, which places greater emphasis on the aspect of public interest. This study also found that contemporary ijtihad requires a multidisciplinary approach as well as collaboration between scholars and various academic disciplines. These findings reinforce the role of ijtihad not only as a theoretical concept but also as an operational framework for comprehensively resolving contemporary issues.