Difference in Ijtihad from a Quranic Perspective (Commentary of Verses 78 & 79 of Sura 21)

Ijtihadin the realm of jurisprudence and Shari‘a leads to difference of opinions. There is a disagreement whether dispute over juristic problems is lawful، for Shari‘a has a constant connection with individuals and social life. The result of dispute over Shari‘a would be conflict and separation in the social life and this makes differences of opinions in juristic problems unlawful. On the contrary، there is a perspective which on the one hand considers unity of opinions impossible because of differences of individuals، environments، and perceptions and on the other hand treats unity of opinions undesirable; hence، defends desirability of differences in opinions as to jurisprudence and precepts and considers it lawful. The latter relies on verses 78 and 79 of sura 21 which denote differences of two contemporary prophets in judging one particular case and، declaring differences of levels of knowledge as well as abilities of prophets، considers disagreement of judgments of prophets a practical pattern for social life; it treats scholarly disagreements of scholars in jurisprudence and precepts as the custom of scholars، comments on those two verses، and defends disagreements based on ijtihad – but negates disputes based on rebellion and mutiny.