What is considered the third primary source of Islamic Fiqh?

The third primary source of Islamic Fiqh is Ijma, which means the unanimous consensus of qualified Islamic scholars on a particular religious or legal issue. Islamic jurisprudence is built upon four main sources, and after the Quran and the Sunnah, Ijma holds the next highest authority. The Quran is the divine revelation, and the Sunnah is the practical example of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). When scholars encounter matters not explicitly addressed in these two sources, they turn to Ijma to derive a ruling that aligns with the principles of Islam.

Ijma has a crucial place in preserving unity within the Muslim Ummah. It ensures that legal decisions are not based on personal opinions or isolated interpretations but on collective scholarly agreement. This collective approach strengthens the reliability of Islamic legal rulings and helps maintain consistency in Sharia across different regions and eras. The concept of Ijma is supported by the teachings of the Prophet (SAW), who conveyed that his Ummah would not unite upon falsehood, highlighting the weight of scholarly consensus.

Historically, Ijma played an important role during the early centuries of Islam. As Muslim societies expanded and encountered new situations, scholars needed to address issues such as governance, trade, economic practices, and social interactions. Since not every issue was explicitly mentioned in the Quran or Sunnah, scholars consulted each other and formed consensus-based rulings. These decisions became legally binding for the Muslim community and were accepted as authoritative sources of Sharia.

Ijma also serves as a mechanism to preserve Islamic teachings and protect them from distortions. When scholars reach a consensus, it becomes nearly impossible for later opinions to contradict that established ruling. This helps maintain doctrinal stability while still allowing room for scholarly discussion in areas not yet addressed by consensus.

For students preparing for Islamic Studies exams, remembering that the third primary source of Islamic Fiqh is Ijma is essential. It frequently appears in MCQs related to Islamic law, jurisprudence, and the structure of Sharia, making it a key concept for competitive test preparation.