and the reverse may likewise be intended, so long as there are contextual indicators that point to it. When the Lawgiver addresses a single member of the community, or speaks about a specific case, the ruling extends to the whole community and to all analogous cases—unless evidence restricts it. The default assumption regarding the Prophet’s—peace and blessings be upon him—actions is that his nation is to follow his example in legal matters, unless proof shows that a given act was exclusive to him.
If the Lawgiver negates an act of worship or a transaction, that negation indicates its invalidity; but if He negates only some element required within it, the act itself is not nullified merely because certain recommended aspects are missing. Contracts are concluded and dissolved by any words or deeds that convey such intent.
Ijtihad and Taqlid
Legal questions fall into two categories:
- Those upon which consensus exists; these require conception and formulation, and