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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Ijtihad: Its Meaning, Sources, Beginnings and the Practice of Ra'y `ijtihad' in the Utterances of the Prophet (s) The word ijtihad also occurs in the statements of the Prophet (S) in the same literal sense. Some examples may be cited here: Pronounce benedictions over me and be diligent in prayer. [^17] As to the prostration, be diligent (or insistent) in prayer, for that makes it worthy of acceptance.

[^18] The `alim (scholar) is superior to the mujtahid by a hundred degrees. [^19] In this tradition mujtahid is used in the sense of `abid (devotee), one who is diligent in `ibadah (worship). `Ijtihad' In the Utterances of Some Sahabah ‘A'ishah is reported to have said: During the last decade of his life the Apostle of God worked harder than in any period.

[^20] Talhah ibn `Ubayd Allah is reported to a stated: (There were) two men in the days of the Prophet (S), one of whom surpassed the other in his ijtihad (diligence in worship). The `diligent one' participated in war and was martyred. [^21] Abu Said al-Khudri is reported as having said: Whenever the Apostle of God took an oath (to do something), he would take pains to fulfil the oath.

[^22] The following is reported about `Abd Allah ibn Ubayy in relation to the campaign of Banu al-Mustalaq: He insisted on his oath that he had not done that. [^23] Umm Harithah is reported to have stated in a question she asked the Prophet (S): I shall bear with patience if my son is in Paradise, but if that isn't the case, I shall mourn for him to the limit of my strength.

[^24] ‘Ijtihad in the Utterances of the Imams (A) In the utterances of the Imams (A) of the Prophet's , too, the word ijtihad is used in its literal sense. Following are three examples: In Nahj al-balaghah, Imam 'Ali (A) states: It is for you to make effort and to strive, to, prepare yourselves and to supply yourselves with in this stage of provision (i.e. this world).

[^25] Al-'Imam al-Baqir (A) is reported to have said to a group of Shi`is: By God, I love your fragrance and (the purity of) your souls. So strengthen them by means of piety and endeavour (ijtihad). You should know that you will not approach our wilayah except by deeds and through endeavour. [^26] Al-'Imam al-Sadiq (A) is reported to have said to Said ibn Hilal al-Thaqafi: I advise you to fear God, to be pious, and to be diligent (in fulfilling your duties).