The four main sources of ijtihad

Furthermore, Islamic legal principles derived from the Qur’an are characterized by their intrinsic flexibility. The Shia approach to Quranic interpretation, known as tafsir, emphasizes the importance of context and the coherence of meanings, encouraging scholars to explore the text with a depth that facilitates the emergence of new legal understandings tailored to modern circumstances.

The Sunnah: The Living Example

Complementing the Qur’an is the Sunnah, which encompasses the practices, sayings, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Sunnah serves as a living embodiment of the Qur’anic precepts, bringing to life the ideals contained within the sacred text. It captures the essence of Islamic ethics, communal interactions, and daily practices, providing a model for adherents to emulate.