Takhayyur – A Reform Methodology for Pakistan

Abstract

Eclectism or takhayyur denotes choosing opinions from different schools of thought within Islamic law. This concept is based on nonadherence to a single school. Although there is a huge debate over legitimacy of takhayyur among Muslim jurists but it is used as a tool by Muslim states to reform their family laws. This article will analyze takhayyur as a reform methodology as employed in Pakistan. It is suggested that despite debate over legitimacy of takhayyur in Islamic law it has been proved as a successful tool for reform. The laws made on the basis of takhayyur have been proved less controversial as compared to laws made on the basis of ijtihÉd.