Source : WordNet®

ijtihad
     n : the endeavor of a Moslem scholar to derive a rule of divine
         law from the Koran and Hadith without relying on the
         views of other scholars; by the end of the 10th century
         theologians decided that debate on such matters would be
         closed and Muslim theology and law were frozen; "some
         reform-minded Islamic scholars believe that reopening
         itjihad is a prerequisite for the survival of Islam"