| ڈاکٹر حافظ محمد زبیر [1] حافظہ ہاجرہ مدنی [2] فقہاء اور ائمہ محدثین کا تصور اجماع: ایک تقابلی مطالعہ Abstract The classical scholars valued the meaning and concept more than the word itself which is why in order to represent an idea or a concept related to Islam, they never disassociated the conventional meaning from its linguistic meaning. In contrary to the classical approach, the modern approach as a result of Greco logical intervention entails the addition of several conditions and clauses in order to define a terminology in a more technical and scientific way. Henceforth, not only did this approach constitute several variations in the definitions, but also each one of these definitions was criticized by its proponents. In the opinion of Imām Mālik, Ijmā’ (unanimity) refers to the customary practice of the people of Madīnah, being followed since the time of the Prophet’s companions, and is potentially a proof or evidence because of its transmission and narration. However, he does not delegate the status of Ijmā’ to Ijtihād (i.e. one’s exertion in determining the legal ruling of Islam) or Istinbāṭ (inference or deduction) carried out by the people of Madīnah from the sacred texts. |