Definition
The unanimous agreement of qualified Muslim scholars of an era on a ruling. Considered binding evidence in the Sharī‘ah — the third source after Qur'an and Sunnah.
Pronunciation: ij-MĀ‘
Etymology & Root
From ج-م-ع (j-m-‘), meaning 'to gather, to bring together.'
Usage in the Sunnah
'My Ummah will not unite upon misguidance.' (Tirmidhī 2167 — ḥasan by collective routes)
Scholarly Notes
The most reliable ijmā‘ is that of the Companions, then the early generations. Claims of 'modern ijmā‘' on contested issues should be examined critically.
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