An Empirical Analysis of Seminary Graduates’ Ethical Beliefs Regarding the Role of Custom (‘Urf) in Sharia

Abstract

The present study aims to empirically analyze the ethical beliefs of seminary graduates regarding the role of custom (‘Urf) in the process of deriving Sharia rulings and to clarify the ethical opportunities and challenges arising from the interaction of custom and Sharia. This qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. The study population included 18 seminary graduates residing in Tehran, selected through purposive sampling. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation, and data were analyzed using a three-stage coding method with NVivo software. The findings indicate that seminary graduates view custom as a complementary and facilitative tool for ijtihad and responding to emerging issues, provided it does not conflict with the principles of Sharia and religious ethics. Custom plays a key role in areas such as transactions, family relations, and social contracts. Ethically, custom can promote social justice and human dignity; however, challenges such as diversity of opinions, unhealthy customs, and conflict with religious texts also exist. The results reveal that seminary graduates take an analytical and cautious approach to custom, and believe custom is only effective when it remains within the framework of Sharia and Islamic ethics. Balanced and intelligent use of custom can enhance the efficiency of Islamic jurisprudence and achieve the ethical goals of religion in society.