Ijmaa

Answer

Literally the word Ijmaa has two meanings:

1.Resolution to do something. It is said in Arabic:

So and so made a firm intention to travel.

2.Agreement. For example the Arabs say:

They all agreed to travel. (A Beginners Guide to Usool Ul Fiqh Page 82)

Terminologically the word Ijmaa means:

The consensus of all the expert scholars of Islamic jurisprudence on a particular ruling in a particular era.

From the above definition we learn that only the view of the Mujtahid (expert scholars of Islamic jurisprudence) will be taken into consideration and not the view of any other scholars. Likewise, it is necessary that each and every of them agree on the ruling, whether it is verbally, or merely by their silent approval.

Ijmaa is from amongst the primary sources of jurisprudence. The validity of the consensus of this Ummah is a gift and an honour bestowed upon us. The authoritative nature of Ijmaa is established from a number of proofs from the noble Quraan and Sunnah of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).

“You are the best Ummah ever raised for mankind. You bid the Fair and forbid the Unfair.” (3:110)

In the above verse the word khayr has been used which denotes that this Ummah is intense in good. This clearly shows that tremendous goodness will be in what this Ummah agrees upon.

The verse further explains that the reason for their goodness is due to their quality of commanding what is right (Ma’ruf) and forbidding what is wrong (Munkar). Ma’ruf refers to that which is correct by Allah Ta’ala. We therefore learn that Ma’ruf is what this Ummah agrees upon.

“Whoever breaks away from the Messenger after the right path has become clear to him, and follows what is not the way of the believers, We shall let him have what he chose, and We shall admit him to Jahannam, which is an evil place to return.” (4:115)

In this verse Allah equates those who follow a path other than that of the believers to those who disobey Nabi (sallalahu alayhi wa sallam) . Just as those who break away from the Messenger (sallalahu alayhi wa sallam) will go to hell fire, likewise those who do not follow what the Ummah agreed upon will also go to the hell fire. Similarly, just as it is necessary to follow the teachings Nabi (sallalahu alayhi wa sallam), it is imperative to follow what the Ummah agreed upon.

“(Allah has promised that He) will certainly establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them” (24:55)

This verse clearly mentions that Allah Ta’ala is happy and has chosen that which this Ummah agrees upon.

“In the same way We made you a just Ummah (community), so that you should be witnesses over the people.” (2:143)

Allah Ta’ala describes this Ummah as being just which clearly shows that what this Ummah agrees upon is correct.

These are just a few of the many evidences. There are many more textual proofs. However, we will suffice with the above.

As for the ruling, it will become compulsory upon a person to accept and believe in Ijmaa, if the following conditions are met:

1) We have to consider or see the authenticity of the report of Ijmaa to us.
2) If the Ijmaa itself is Qat’iyy ad-Dalaalah (definite implication).
3) If it is Ijmaa of all the Sahaabah in explicit terms.

An example of this is that all the honourable companions agreed to Sayyidina Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) being the first Khalif of Islaam. Thus, it is binding upon us to accept him as such.