In Episode 23, we explore the transformative power of ijtihad—independent reasoning within Islamic tradition—as presented in Zafarullah Khan’s Islam in the Contemporary World: A New Narrative. Khan argues that the stagnation of the Muslim world stems from a rigid attachment to outdated interpretations, blocking progress in key areas like minority rights, gender equality, finance, jurisprudence, and modern education. He makes a compelling case for the revival of ijtihad as a dynamic tool to reconstruct Islamic thought and re-engage with the world meaningfully. This episode reflects on the historic role of ijtihad in shaping Islamic civilization and underscores the urgent need for scholars and institutions to lead this intellectual renaissance to reclaim Islam’s universal values and reframe its narrative in the global context.