The Approved and Disapproved Varieties of Ra’y (Personal Opinion) In Islam

Abstract

While Islam emphasizes conformity to the directives of the Qur’an and Sunnah, one finds in the same sources a parallel emphasis on rational inquiry, exercise of personal opinion, and judgment. This essay looks into the evidence in support of this statement and the extent to which Islam validates the freedom to formulate and express an opinioq. It also examines the methodology and criteria that ascertain the validity of personal opinion and distinguishs the acceptable ra’y from that which is not tolerated. This essay also highlights how the detailed classification of ra’y by the ‘Ulama reflects a concern for latitude and tolerance on the one hand, balanced on the other by respect for recognized authority and values which are deemed essential to Islam. Freedom to express an opinion is probably the most important aspect of the freedom of speech, which also comprises such other varieties of speech as a simple narration of facts, comedy, and fiction. To express an opinion on a matter implies a level of involvement, commitment, and competence which may or may not be present in the factual narration of an event. This may partly explain why the phrase hurriyah al-ra'y), (literally, freedom of opinion) is used in the Islamic scholastic tradition for freedom of speech, in preference to hurriyah al-qawl, the more precise equivalent of “freedom of speech.” That scholars and jurists have consistently used hurriyah al-ra'y for freedom of speech perhaps signifies that ra'y, or personal opinion, is the most important aspect of this freedom. Ra ’y has three main classifications -praiseworthy, blameworthy, and doubtful personal opinion-which are further subdivided. The main varieties of praiseworthy opinion to be discussed here are ra'y, that elaborates the Qur‘an and Sunnah, the opinions of the Companions, ra'y that consists of ijtihad, and ra’y that is arrived at as a result of consultation. Blameworthy opinion is also divided into three types, namely bid‘ah (pernicious innovation), hawa (caprice), and baghy (transgression). And, lastly, ra'y, that is the subject of doubt (ra'y fi mawdi‘ al-ishtibah) does not lend itself to classification or ...