Explanation of the Role of Requirements of Time and Space in the Process of Individual Inference (A Study of the Viewpoints of Imamiya Jurisprudents with Special Emphasis on Imam Khomeini's Viewpoints)

Individual inference (ijtihad) is a faculty through which the jurisprudential authority (mojtahid) attains understanding of the sharia decrees. In this process the jurisprudent cannot consider himself in isolation of his society, for in such a case, the outcome of his efforts will be nothing but some rigid decrees devoid of any scholarly and practical logic. Hence, a jurisprudent, in inferring decrees or revising his own viewpoints that may lead to alteration of his previous decrees, must inevitably take the requirements and needs of the society as well as the requirements of time and space around him into consideration. This consideration can lead to a rational decree and consequently can win practical commitment of the faithful. This issue not only is not in contradiction with the eternality of Islamic commandments but also is totally different from blind following of Sharia of the society.