CONFERENCE : CONTEMPORARY THOUGHTS IN MODERN FATWA AND IJTIHAD

Abstract

This paper discusses contemporary thinking in modern fatwas and ijtihad as a response to the rapid development in the fields of science, technology, medicine, economics and social life today. Various new issues faced by Muslims such as digital finance, artificial intelligence, bioethics and social media are not directly discussed in classical Islamic sources. Therefore, modern ijtihad is essential to ensure that Islamic law remains relevant and able to be applied in the current context. This paper describes the concept of fatwa and ijtihad, the need for modern ijtihad as well as the contemporary approach used by scholars in issuing fatwas. In addition, some examples of current issues and challenges in the fatwa institution were also discussed. In conclusion, the balance between sharia sources and current reality is very important to preserve sharia objectives.