الجنۃ الدائمۃ للبحوث العلمیۃ و الإفتاء کی معنویت اجتماعی اجتہاد اورعصری تقاضے

The Significance of Al-Lajnah ad-Dā’imah lil-Buḥūth al-‘Ilmiyyah wal-Iftā’ in the Context of Collective Ijtihad

Abstract

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta (Al-Lajnah ad-Dā’imah lil-Buḥūth al- Ilmiyyah wal-Iftā’) of Saudi Arabia represents a pioneering institutional model of collective ijtihad in the modern Islamic world. Its legal opinions and fatwas are grounded in the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the methodology of the Salaf al-Salih, while also taking into consideration consensus (ijma), analogical reasoning (qiyas), and contemporary realities. The committee has provided comprehensive guidance on critical modern issues such as economics, medicine, science, technology, family affairs, and social matters, benefiting not only Saudi Arabia but Muslims worldwide. Operating within the principles of collective jurisprudence, the committee’s approach emphasizes scholarly reasoning, evidence-based deliberation, and respect for diverse juristic perspectives. Although it is sometimes perceived as lacking boldness in addressing certain emerging issues, the Lajnah al-Da’imah remains one of the most authoritative and influential fiqh institutions in the Islamic world.