Metodologi Ijtihad al-Āmidī dalam Penyelesaian Hukum ‘Iddah Perempuan pada Masyarakat Modern

Studi Kitab Al-Iḥkām Fī Uṣūl Al-Aḥkām

Abstract

This study examines the thoughts of Saif al-Dīn al-Āmidī in al-Iḥkām fī Uṣūl al-Aḥkām, focusing on his ijtihad methodology to resolve issues related to the waiting period (‘iddah) for women in modern society. Al-Āmidī, a prominent Shafi‘i scholar of usul al-fiqh, developed a systematic methodology of ijtihad through qiyās (analogical reasoning), istidlāl (rational inference), and maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah (objectives of Islamic law). In qiyās, he emphasized the establishment of a valid ‘illah (effective cause) as the basis for legal analogy. His istidlāl approach opened space for legal rationality by considering maslahah mursalah (public interest), ‘urf (custom), and logical reasoning, as long as these do not contradict the maqāṣid of Islamic law. The maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah approach asserts that the primary aims of Islamic law are to preserve religion (dīn), life (nafs), intellect (‘aql), lineage (nasl), and wealth (māl). In the context of ‘iddah, al-Āmidī offers solutions through reinterpretation by taking into account women’s contemporary realities, such as being the main breadwinner or having no possibility of pregnancy due to medical conditions or age. If classical ‘iddah rulings no longer support achieving these five essential objectives, then legal reconstruction based on maqāṣid becomes necessary. The findings indicate that al-Āmidī’s ijtihad methodology provides a strong foundation for contextual reinterpretation of classical fiqh rulings. Qiyās offers a logical-formal instrument, istidlāl provides flexibility to adjust to social realities, and maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah offers moral direction in determining legal validity. Thus, al-Āmidī’s thought is both theoretically relevant and practically applicable as a solution for contemporary ‘iddah issues, being responsive to social dynamics without neglecting authoritative sharia foundations.