A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
The mujtahid.
He is the scholar or jurist who does not merely follow the opinions of others (muqallid).
He is one who has attained a level of knowledge that qualifies him to conduct independent research into issues.
And to derive legal rulings based on their evidence.
He is subject to conditions and regulations that are discussed in their appropriate places within the books of usul al-fiqh.
If a mujtahid exercises ijtihad regarding an issue and arrives at the truth,
He receives two rewards:
The reward for the effort of ijtihad,
And the reward for arriving at the truth.
If he errs,
He is not held accountable for his mistake, provided he has exerted his utmost effort in seeking the truth.
He receives one reward,
Which is the reward for the effort of ijtihad in seeking the truth.
A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.