To reach a ruling the Muslim scholars rely mainly on what is known as Ijtihad, the principles of which include the fact that:

1. Laws change with changes in time and place;

2. Choosing the lesser of two harms; and

3. Preserving public interest

In a situation where an issue is not clear in a community (for example contraception or abortion) before a Muslim scholar issues a fatwa (a ruling), it is important for that scholar and the Muslim community he addresses to evaluate such conclusion in light of their public interest. (Al-Hibri, 1993).

The link of the Islamic Jurisprudence concept to the Islamic health continuum lies in the fact that it sets the ground by providing a favorable environment for the predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors influencing behavior and lifestyle through its explicit guidelines.

Reference:

Al-Hibri, Y. A. (1993). (1^st June 2001) Family Planning and Islamic Jurisprudence. The Religious Consultation on Population, Reproductive Health & Ethics.

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