What is an Ijazah?

The History of The Ijazah/Sanad System

Since the year 100 A.H (700 CE), “Ijazah” is a certification and license authorizing its holder to transmit a certain text or subject of knowledge, issued by a higher religious authority (usually an indirect student of the Prophet Muhammad or a famous Muslim scholar). This unbroken chain of certified transmitters going back to the original author is called “Sanad“.