The Theory of Idjma and Effect of Baqillani

Abstract

In this article, the idjma theory of Baqillani, one of the methodists from the early period, is examined by taking into account considering his views in relation to the views of his two predecessors: Methodists Shafii and Cassas and his two successors: Methodist Cuwayni and Ghazzali. By doing that, the development of idjma in its formative period has been presented. After Cassas who is a Hanefi methodist Baqillani is the first mutakallim methodist dealing with idjma in great length and defining it. He also discusses the possibility of the ralisation of idjma and argued it was possible. He said it was constant at the begining and expressed that the arguments of those who deny the posibilities and establishment were not valid. He said that the evidences forthe validity of Idjma are not rational but sciriptural. In this context, he prove his case by gathering some verses from Quran which share the same meaning with hadiths. Additionally, he analysed the conditions of occurence of the Idjma, the areas where it is valid and some other secondary cases related to that issue.