• How it Works

    THE PROCESS OF COLLECTIVE IJTIHAD

    1

    COLLABORATE

    Religious scholars and experts in different fields discuss pertinent questions facing Muslims

    2

    RESEARCH

    Religious scholars consult a plethora of evidence to derive Sharia regulations

    3

    EMPOWER

    Regulations are published with detailed explanations empowering you to make an informed decision

  • Is it permissible to use cannabis for recreational or medical reasons?

    Is it permissible for individuals or vigilante groups to use physical or psychological to enact the duty of enjoining good (amr bi-l-maʿrūf) and forbidding evil (nahī ʿan al-munkar)?

    Permissibility of fasting on the Day of ʿĀshūrāʾ

    Is it permissible to fast on the day of ʿĀshūrāʾ?

    The Islamic View on Funeral Rights

    Is it necessary to bury Muslims?

    The relationship between marital contract (nikāḥ) and intercourse in Islam

    Is it permissible to enter a clause within a nikāḥ/marriage contract that stipulates that intercourse is only allowed with mutual consent?

    Animal Issues

    Is it permissible to keep dogs as pets?

    Shaking Hands with the Opposite Gender

    Is it permissible to shake the hand of a non-mahram?

    The Permissibility of Reciting Salāt in One's Native Language

    Is it permissible to perform ṣalāt in one’s native language?

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    Animal Sacrifice at Hajj

    Can Animal Sacrifice (Qurbani) at Hajj be substituted with another offering?

  • Inside ICCI

    The International Centre for Collective Ijtihad (ICCI) proposes that the most accurate method of deriving Sharia regulations engages the collaborative efforts of religious scholars (mujtahids) and experts in various fields. Whilst Muslims concur that Sharia rulings are revealed by God in order to lead humankind towards perfection, modern day advancements often raise complex questions about the appropriate religious stance that ought to be taken to sufficiently deal with new, arising situations in human life.

     

    Traditionally, an individual mujtahid is tasked with deducing Sharia regulations by utilising and interpreting evidences that are considered to be authoritative, which is a process known as ijtihad. However, owing to constant developments in fields such as medicine, economics and technology, it is rather difficult, if not impossible, for a mujtahid to arrive at an accurate understanding of different subject matters and deduce Sharia regulations in relation to them. As such, the collective model of ijtihad upholds that conclusions deduced by a body of mujtahids, who have consulted with subject matter experts, provides a more accurate understanding of the regulations intended by God.

     

    ICCI’s understanding of ijtihad is rooted in the statement of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s), who said: “Indeed the life of knowledge is sustained through constant discussion and critique”. In light of this view, ICCI not only explores new questions, but it also reconsiders issues that have previously been concluded upon within traditional jurisprudence but continue to pose great challenges to Muslim communities.

     

    The conclusions of ICCI are published as statements of guidance, with justifications that provide an in-depth rationale of how they were deduced. This enables readers to gain a complete understanding of the process involved behind determining each statement of guidance, so that they can make an informed decision and either accept or reject the guidance of ICCI.

  • Get In Touch

    INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR COLLECTIVE IJTIHAD

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  • Statements

    FINDINGS OF THE ICCI

    “Cannabis” refers to any derivative or product derived from the Cannabis plant with the term...
    Is it permissible to enter a clause within a nikāḥ/marriage contract that stipulates that...
    Is it necessary to bury Muslims? In Islam, conducting the funeral rites of a deceased Muslim is...
    Is it permissible to fast on the day of ʿĀshūrāʾ?  In Islam fasting for the sake of gaining...
    Is it permissible to keep dogs as pets? Many Muslim jurists claim that dogs – like pigs – are...
    Is it permissible to shake the hand of a non-mahram? Muslim jurists normally prohibit shaking...
    Is it permissible to perform ṣalāt in one’s native language?   The sharia mandates that a...
    Can Animal Sacrifice (Qurbani) at Hajj be subtituted with another offering? Hajj, or the...
    Is it permissible to administer the Covid-19 vaccination whilst fasting? Vaccinating the...
    March 18, 2021 · ICCI
    Does taking a lateral flow test or PCR test for COVID-19 invalidate the fast? Lateral flow...
    December 17, 2020 · ICCI
    What can prostration (sajda) be performed upon? Prostration (sajda) is a necessary part of the...
    November 16, 2020
    Is Listening to Music Permitted in Islam?  Music has been found to have both beneficial and...
    November 10, 2020
    Is Playing with Instruments of Gambling Permissible in Sharia? Games that are conventionally...
    Is it permitted to participate in gatherings to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (as)...
    Is it obligatory for individuals to fast during the Covid-19 pandemic? The Covid-19 pandemic...
    July 7, 2019 · ICCI
    Can a person whose occupation involves long hours of concentration and focus, and/or the safety...
    July 5, 2019 · ICCI
    Is it permissible for those living in areas with abnormal day-lengths to shorten their fast? ...
    July 5, 2019 · ICCI
    Are pregnant women required to fast? Muslim jurists generally claim that during the early...
    July 3, 2019 · ICCI
    Is it permissible to administer medication whilst fasting? There are many cases where...
    More Posts
  • Inside ICCI

    INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR COLLECTIVE IJTIHAD

    What is ICCI?

    The International Centre for Collective Ijtihad (ICCI) believes that the most accurate method of deriving Sharia regulations is through the collaborative efforts of religious scholars (mujtahids) and experts in various fields. Whilst Muslims concur that Sharia rulings are revealed by God with the objective of leading humankind towards perfection, modern-day advancements raise complex questions regarding the appropriate stance which ought to be adopted.

     

    Traditionally, an individual mujtahid is tasked with deducing Sharia regulations by using and interpreting evidences that are considered to be authoritative – a process known as ijtihad. Owing to constant developments in areas such as medicine, economics, and technology, it is rather difficult, if not impossible, for an individual mujtahid to arrive at an accurate understanding of different subject matters and deduce Sharia regulations in relation to them. The collective model of ijtihad holds that conclusions deduced by a body of mujtahids in consultation with subject matter experts provide a more accurate understanding of regulations intended by God than the endeavours of an individual.

     

    The Scholars and Experts

    ICCI’s understanding of ijtihad is rooted in the statement of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s) which says, “Indeed the life of knowledge is sustained through constant discussion and critique”. In light of this, ICCI not only deliberates on new questions but also reconsiders issues already concluded within traditional jurisprudence if they pose great challenges to Muslim communities.

     

    The conclusions of ICCI are published as statements of guidance with justifications that provide an in-depth rationale of how they were deduced. This enables individuals to make an informed decision and gives them the liberty to accept or reject the guidance of ICCI.

  • FAQs

    OUR MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

    “Cannabis” refers to any derivative or product derived from the Cannabis plant with the term...
    Is it permissible to enter a clause within a nikāḥ/marriage contract that stipulates that...
    Is it necessary to bury Muslims? In Islam, conducting the funeral rites of a deceased Muslim is...
    Is it permissible to fast on the day of ʿĀshūrāʾ?  In Islam fasting for the sake of gaining...
    Is it permissible to keep dogs as pets? Many Muslim jurists claim that dogs – like pigs – are...
    Is it permissible to shake the hand of a non-mahram? Muslim jurists normally prohibit shaking...
    Is it permissible to perform ṣalāt in one’s native language?   The sharia mandates that a...
    Can Animal Sacrifice (Qurbani) at Hajj be subtituted with another offering? Hajj, or the...
    ICCI
    Is it permissible to administer the Covid-19 vaccination whilst fasting? Vaccinating the...
    ICCI
    Does taking a lateral flow test or PCR test for COVID-19 invalidate the fast? Lateral flow...
    December 17, 2020
    ICCI
    What can prostration (sajda) be performed upon? Prostration (sajda) is a necessary part of the...
    November 16, 2020
    Is Listening to Music Permitted in Islam?  Music has been found to have both beneficial and...
    November 10, 2020
    Is Playing with Instruments of Gambling Permissible in Sharia? Games that are conventionally...
    Is it permitted to participate in gatherings to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (as)...
    Is it obligatory for individuals to fast during the Covid-19 pandemic? The Covid-19 pandemic...
    ICCI
    Can a person whose occupation involves long hours of concentration and focus, and/or the safety...
    July 5, 2019
    ICCI
    Is it permissible for those living in areas with abnormal day-lengths to shorten their fast? ...
    ICCI
    Are pregnant women required to fast? Muslim jurists generally claim that during the early...
    ICCI
    Is it permissible to administer medication whilst fasting? There are many cases where...
    More Posts
  • Connect With ICCI

    FOLLOW US ON

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  • inside icci

    The most accurate method of deriving Sharia regulations is through the collaborative efforts of religious scholars (Mujtahids) and experts in various fields.

     

    The International Centre for Collective Ijtihad (ICCI) believes that the most accurate method of deriving Sharia regulations is through the collaborative efforts of religious scholars (Mujtahids) and experts in various fields. Whilst Muslims concur that Sharia rulings are revealed by God with the objective of leading humankind towards perfection, modern-day advancements raise complex questions regarding the appropriate stance which ought to be adopted.

     

    Traditionally, an individual mujtahid is tasked with deducing Sharia regulations by using and interpreting evidences that are considered to be authoritative – a process known as ijtihad. Owing to constant developments in areas such as medicine, economics and technology, it is rather difficult, if not impossible, for an individual mujtahid to arrive at an accurate understanding of different subject matters and deduce Sharia regulations in relation to them. The collective model of ijtihad holds that conclusions deduced by a body of mujtahids in consultation with subject matter experts provide a more accurate understanding of regulations intended by God than the endeavours of an individual.

     

    ICCI’s understanding of ijtihad is rooted in the statement of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s) which says, “Indeed the life of knowledge is sustained through constant discussion and critique”. In light of this, ICCI not only deliberates on new questions but also reconsiders issues already concluded within traditional jurisprudence if they pose great challenges to Muslim communities.

     

    The conclusions of ICCI are published as statements of guidance with justifications that provide in-depth rationale of how they were deduced. This enables individuals to make an informed decision and gives them the liberty to accept or reject the guidance of ICCI.

  • MEMBERS

    Meet the Mujtahids

    “Cannabis” refers to any derivative or product derived from the Cannabis plant with the term often being used interchangeably with marijuana or weed. Its usage can be traced back millennia where it has been used for medicinal, recreational, and spiritual purposes in different cultures around the...
    Read more...
    The Islamic principle of amr bi-l-maʿrūf wa nahī ʿan al-munkar (enjoining the good and forbidding the evil) is a duty that is endowed upon every Muslim. This duty seeks to promote virtues and deeds that are emphasised in Islamic scripture. Some Muslim jurists have categorised this duty/obligation...
    Read more...
    Is it permissible to enter a clause within a nikāḥ/marriage contract that stipulates that intercourse is only allowed with mutual consent? Marriage is considered a sacred and important institution in Islam and is considered one of the cornerstones of society. In the Islamic context, the term...
    Read more...
    Is it necessary to bury Muslims? In Islam, conducting the funeral rites of a deceased Muslim is a collective obligation (al-wājib al-kifāʾī) upon every Muslim. The funeral rites include washing the body (ghusl) of the deceased, shrouding (takfīn) it, and performing the funeral prayer (ṣalāt al...
    Read more...
    Is it permissible to fast on the day of ʿĀshūrāʾ?  In Islam fasting for the sake of gaining proximity to God is a recommended (mustaḥab) act. However, parts of the Shīʿī community perceive fasting on the Day of ʿĀshūrāʾ as being impermissible (ḥarām). This is because some Shīʿī’s believe that...
    Read more...
    Is it permissible to keep dogs as pets? Many Muslim jurists claim that dogs – like pigs – are classified as being impure, and thus any contact with their hair, bones, paws, nails, and moisture from their body can make a person impure.1 However, throughout ancient, and modern societies dogs have...
    Read more...
    Is it permissible to shake the hand of a non-mahram? Muslim jurists normally prohibit shaking hands with opposite genders (or more specifically non-mahram - someone who a person has no immediate familial relationship) unless it is from behind a piece of cloth.1 However, in many present-day...
    Read more...
    Is it permissible to perform ṣalāt in one’s native language?   The sharia mandates that a capable Muslim (mukallaf) must pray five daily obligatory prayers.1 Within the daily prayers a Muslim is required to perform Arabic recitations (qirāʾa). According to many renowned Shia jurists the...
    Read more...
    Can Animal Sacrifice (Qurbani) at Hajj be subtituted with another offering? Hajj, or the pilgrimage to Mecca, is obligatory (wājib) for all Muslims who have the necessary means and ability (istiṭāʿa). One of the rituals of Hajj (or more specifically Hajj al-tamattuʿ) that is annually perfumed...
    Read more...
    Is it permissible to administer the Covid-19 vaccination whilst fasting? Vaccinating the population against Covid-19 via the administration of two injections a few weeks apart is a key part of the strategy adopted in many countries to contain the virus. The question arises whether it is...
    Read more...
    March 18, 2021 · ICCI
    Does taking a lateral flow test or PCR test for COVID-19 invalidate the fast? Lateral flow tests and PCR tests are pivotal to the strategy adopted by many countries to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The lateral flow test involves inserting a dry swab into the nostrils (about half an inch)...
    Read more...
    December 17, 2020 · ICCI
    What can prostration (sajda) be performed upon? Prostration (sajda) is a necessary part of the Muslim daily prayer (salat). Whilst all Muslims agree that prostration during prayer must be performed in the direction of the qibla, there is no consensus between them regarding the material or...
    Read more...
    November 16, 2020
    Is Listening to Music Permitted in Islam?  Music has been found to have both beneficial and detrimental effects on people who listen to it. Studies have shown how music can help facilitate positive changes in emotional wellbeing, improve communication and cognitive skills, ease pain and help...
    Read more...
    November 10, 2020
    Is Playing with Instruments of Gambling Permissible in Sharia? Games that are conventionally associated with gambling are also often played without any wagers involved. For example, many people engage in playing cards, chess, and poker as a purely recreational activity without any intention of...
    Read more...
    Is it permitted to participate in gatherings to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (as) amidst the Covid-19 pandemic? Holding communal gatherings to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (as) during Muharram is highly recommended and has been practiced for centuries by Shiʿas. However,...
    Read more...
    Is it obligatory for individuals to fast during the Covid-19 pandemic? The Covid-19 pandemic has raised concerns regarding the safety of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:There have been claims that dehydration and dryness of the throat, which can occur with fasting, may result in...
    Read more...
    July 7, 2019 · ICCI
    Can a person whose occupation involves long hours of concentration and focus, and/or the safety of others, fast?   All Muslims are required to fast during the holy month of Ramadan. However, there are certain occupations that require several hours of continuous concentration and focus, and/or...
    Read more...
    July 5, 2019 · ICCI
    Is it permissible for those living in areas with abnormal day-lengths to shorten their fast? It is obligatory for a Muslim to fast during the holy month of Ramadan. According to most jurists, a capable Muslim is required to fast from dawn (fajr) until sunset (maghrib). During the lifetime of...
    Read more...
    July 5, 2019 · ICCI
    Are pregnant women required to fast? Muslim jurists generally claim that during the early stages of pregnancy, a woman is required to fast during the holy month of Ramadan, so long as she feels that fasting is not harmful to her health or the health of her unborn child. However, during the more...
    Read more...
    July 3, 2019 · ICCI
    Is it permissible to administer medication whilst fasting? There are many cases where individuals who regularly take prescribed medications are deemed healthy enough to fast during the holy month of Ramadan, and fasting would not aggravate or prolong their health condition, nor would it deter...
    Read more...
    More Posts