Ijtihad [font, alqalamreg, (اجتھاد)

This word is derived from Jihad which literally means to strive, to attempt or to put an effort. So, Ijtihad implies to put some efforts to figure out the solution of any problem. It terminologically refers to an independent reasoning for deriving the solution of those issues which are implicitly or covertly discussed in Quran and Sunnah or are new to the Muslim Scholars. It is done on the basis of deep and comprehensive knowledge and cannot be done where authentic and authoritative text of Quran and Sunnah observed. A scholar who is qualified for Ijtihad is called Mujtahid (مجتھد).