The Role of Ijtihad in Human Rights Issues with a Formalism and Fuzzy Logic Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Sakineh Azari
Department of Law, ST.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/jhsrj.2025.2066976.1028
Abstract
Background and Aim: In the postmodern world, the increasing complexity of social, legal, and ethical relations has forced intellectual and jurisprudential systems to rethink traditional methods of analysis. In the meantime, ijtihad, as the main mechanism for understanding and explaining Islamic rulings, needs to redefine its functions in light of the two fundamental concepts of "formalism" and "fuzzy logic."
Materials and Methods: This research is theoretical and its method is descriptive-analytical.
Ethical Considerations: In order to organize this research, while observing the authenticity of the texts, honesty and fidelity have been observed.
Findings: Formalism, with its emphasis on structure, internal coherence, and reproducibility of rulings, enables ijtihad to produce defensible legal norms within the framework of the rule of law while maintaining predictability. On the other hand, fuzzy logic, with its ability to understand the variable and uncertain spectrum of issues, helps the mujtahid to derive rulings based on diverse and related degrees and variables.
Conclusion: Ijtihad, as a rational and systematic process, also plays an active role in the development of formalistic and fuzzy concepts. By providing precise, structured, and realistic responses, jurists help to identify hidden variables and pave the way for the institutionalization of legal rationality and the development of systematic thought in Islamic jurisprudence. This two-way relationship will ultimately strengthen the effectiveness of jurisprudence, increase the justifiability of rulings, and expand the rule of law in the socio-religious context.
Keywords
Human rights
Ijtihad
Formalism
Justifiability
Fuzzy logic
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