Methodology of ijtihad of Salafi doctrine : comparative study and its relevance in Malaysia

Abstract

Salafi doctrine has become a phenomenal event nowadays. Its slogan of returning to Qur’an and Sunnah has tempted Muslims from various backgrounds and walks of life to follow this particular doctrine. Despite its benevolent intention, this call of Salafi doctrine seems to have issues with local madhab as well as religious authorities in Malaysia. This study focuses on the methodology of ijtihad of Salafi doctrine in khilafiyyah issues. The objective of the study is to examine the methodology of ijtihad of Salafi doctrine; comparing the methodology of ijtihad of Salafi doctrine with methodology of ijtihad of the Four madhabs; to scrutinize laws and fatwas related to Salafi doctrine; and to propose a suitable legal provision that is capable of governing as well as regulating this doctrine in order to maintain the harmony and unity of Muslim community in Malaysia. In doing so, interviews and questionnaires have been conducted by the researcher to test the hypothesis of the study. This study adopts a qualitative method that is most important for socio-legal research. Specifically, the qualitative research method collects data from various legal writings, writing of classical jurists of the Four madhabs, national laws, fatwa, etc. This study also uses in-depth semi-structured interviews as well as structured questionnaires to obtain data from the respondents. The findings of this study demonstrate that the methodology of ijtihad of Salafi doctrine is quite different from the methodology of ijtihad of Four madhabs where it employs literal approach in understanding and interpreting various Islamic sources. It also discovers that the fatwā related to Salafī doctrine does serve its purpose in educating the public and controlling the doctrine from confusing the public at large. Finally, this study reveals that the difference of methodology of ijtihād between the Salafi doctrine and the Four madhabs must be handled with utmost respect and care in order to avoid further complications in the future. The study, therefore, concludes by suggesting that there is a need to give legal effect to the existing fatwa and there is a need to propose a specific legal provision to govern and regulate the Salafi doctrine.