Islam and the Contemporary World

Islam and the Contemporary World

Shia Jurisprudence and the Dynamics of Context: A Study in Legal Flexibility

Document Type : Original Research Article

Author
Morteza Agha Mohammadi
Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies in English, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran
10.22034/icwj.2025.527382.1038
Abstract
One of the distinguishing characteristics of Shia jurisprudence is its capacity to respond effectively to the demands and particularities of time and place. This flexibility grants it both resilience and vitality, allowing it to remain relevant across changing contexts. Such adaptability ensures that jurists can navigate complex situations without abandoning foundational principles. The present study seeks to explore the influence of temporal and spatial factors on the evolution and dynamism of Shia legal thought. Drawing upon textual and library-based sources, the paper first examines the imperative of adapting jurisprudence to contextual shifts. It then analyzes the conceptual framework and practical implications of time and place within the jurisprudential process. Key themes include the dynamic nature of ijtihād, the integration of secondary rulings with primary ones, distinctions between obligatory and non-obligatory rulings, state (governmental) decrees, the significance of customary norms (‘urf), and the role of conflict as a driver of legal evolution.
Keywords
contextual needs
evolving jurisprudence
ijtihād
customary norms (‘urf)
Shia legal theory
jurisprudential conflict
Subjects
The Holly Qurʾan.
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