ijmaa’
Lit. “Consensus.” This can mean generally what is agreed upon as in the English sense. It is also used as a technical term in fiqh (Islamic Law) indicating a ruling upon which all or the overwhelming majority of ulema agree upon. Some consider this itself binding, due to the hadith of the Prophet (s) that “My Ummah will never agree upon an error.” Therefore, Muslims only with great hesitation challenge a legal position upon which there has historically been ijmaa’.
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