Ijma

Ijma is the verbal noun of the Arabic word Ajmaa, which has two meanings: 1) to determine 2) to agree upon something. There are many types of Ijma discussed in the books of Usul al Fiqh.

Ijma as Sahabah

If the Sahabah (raa) after the death of the Prophet (saaw) were to agree unanimously upon a solution to a problem without any dissent amongst each other, in the absence of a ruling from the Quran and Sunnah, then this agreement is considered to be a Daleel. This agreement must have been based upon some teaching of Muhammad (saaw) of which they all knew, but which did not reach us directly in the form of Hadith. Therefore, Ijma as Sahabah is an indication of Sunnah itself. An example of Ijma as Sahabah is the priority which must be given to the appointment of a Khalifah for Muslims. The Sunnah of the Prophet (saaw) in forms us that the dead must be buried quickly and it is forbidden for those responsible for the burial to delay the burial on account of other things. Yet when the Prophet (saaw) died, the companions delayed his (saaw) burial until after they had selected a Khalifah from among themselves. Before the burial arrangements were completed, the Sahabah (raa) had gathered in the place of Banu Saida and proceeded to select the Khalifah. After discussion of the matter, all agreed to give Bay'a (oath of allegiance) to Abu Bakr (ra), after which they buried the Prophet (saaw). None of them objected to the delay of the burial. The unanimous agreement of the Sahabah (raa) regarding this action is a Daleel for us about the importance of
appointing the Khalifah for Muslims, even more vital than the burial of the Prophet (saaw) himself.

Daleel Indicating the Authority of Ijma as Sahabah

The Sahabah (raa) were the group who had the best access to the revelation and were most mindful of holding fast to the revelation in their actions. Their ljma is a proof for the following two reasons: First, Allah (swt) in the following Ayah praises them as a community, not just as individuals.

''The Vanguard (of Islam)- the first of those who forsook (their homes) and those who gave them aid (the Muhajireen and the Ansar) and also those who follow them in good deeds, Allah is well pleased with them and they with Allah. And Allah has made ready with them gardens underneath which rivers flow and that will be their abode forever eternally, this their supreme triumph.' (At - Taubah: 100)

This compliment is given to the Sahabah (Muhajireen & Ansar) for the sole reason of having been the Sahabah (raa). However, the compliment for others is due to the fact that they followed the footsteps of the Sahabah (raa). This means that the original compliment is for the Sahabah (raa). The followers are not complimented but for following the Sahabah (raa). Therefore, it can be concluded that the meaning of the Ayah is confined to the Sahabah (raa) only. Any group of people whom Allah (swt) complements in such a manner, the truthfulness of what they agree on is affirmed. Second, doubt in their trust-worthiness leads to doubt in Islam. The Sahabah (raa) were the generation that transmitted the Quran and narrated the Ahadith. Our entire Deen has been conveyed to us through the vehicle of this group. This group was the means by which Allah (swt) chose the Quran to be compiled and preserved. Allah (swt) has promised to preserve this scripture through them. Allah (swt) says,

''Falsehood cannot come at it (Quran) from before it or from behind It. It is a revelatIon from the Wise, the Owner of Praise.” (Fussilat: 42)

The important point to remember is that Ijma as Sahabah is not the personal opinions of the Sahabah (raa) on any technical issue. Rather, it is their agreement on specific things
with regard to its rule in Islam, an agreement on a Sharii issue. The Sahahah (raa) would not agree that a certain thing is Islamically permitted or forbidden without knowing whether that action was approved or disapproved by the Prophet (saaw). However, the Hadith in this regard is not narrated to us, instead its rule is conveyed by the total agreement of the Sahabah (raa). The Ulema are in agreement that Ijma as Sahabah is a binding proof.

Who is the Sahabi?

There are two definitions of the Sahabi:

1. A Muslim who saw the Prophet (saaw)

2. A Muslim who lived with the Prophet (saaw) for one or two years or participated in one or two ghazwaat (military expeditions led by the Prophet (saaw)).

The latter definition was reported by Saed bin Musayeb (ra) and is stronger.