The four main sources of ijtihad

The Shia tradition possesses a rich repository of hadith literature that chronicles the teachings of the Prophet, particularly those transmitted through the Ahlul Bayt, the family of the Prophet, who are regarded as paragons of virtue and understanding. The Ahlul Bayt’s interpretations are considered essential companions to the Prophet’s teachings, enhancing the jurisprudential discourse.

While the Sunnah is critical in legal reasoning, it is also paramount in shaping moral and ethical dimensions of life. In light of this source, Shia scholars engage in a meticulous analysis of hadith authenticity and context, elevating the teachings to guide the faithful through the often-turbulent waters of ethical dilemmas in the modern world.

Consensus (Ijma): The Collective Wisdom