MAQASID AL-SHAR’IYYAH (Purposes of Islamic law)eidted2021.docx

Maqasid al-Shar’iyyah

Refers to the purposes and aims of the Shari’ah, focusing on realizing benefits to people in this world and the hereafter.

Benefits and Protection

The main objectives of Shari’ah are to secure benefits for people and protect them against corruption and evil.

Mercy and Compassion

The Quran emphasizes the concept of mercy (rahmah) as encompassing all that offers benefit to mankind and prevents harm.

Justice and Balance

The Quran highlights justice as a primary objective of Shari’ah, aiming to establish justice among mankind.

Training for Goodness

Shari’ah aims to train individuals to be good Muslims, as seen in requirements like wudhu’ for prayer.

Freedom from Whims

Maqasid al-Shar’iyyah aims to free individuals from their whims and fancies to be true servants of Allah.

Al-Daruriyyat

The essentials of Maqasid are fundamental values that the Shari’ah seeks to protect and promote.

Protection of Al-Din

Al-din, the protection of religion, is crucial and must be safeguarded by Muslims at all times.

Protection of Al-Nafs

Life is essential and valuable, and the Shari’ah enacts severe punishment for those who take life unjustly.

Protection of Dignity

Islam emphasizes protecting individual dignity, privacy, and relationships in a respectful manner.

Protection of Al-‘Aql

The intellect is a gift that must be safeguarded from harm, such as substances that impair brain function.

Protection of Al-Mal

Property rights are essential, and Islam prohibits transgressing and stealing others' property.

Al-Hajiyyat

Refers to interests whose neglect leads to hardship for individuals or communities without causing a total disruption of normal life.

Al-Tahsiniyyat

Refers to interests whose realization leads to improvement and attainment of desirable outcomes.

Maqasid

The objectives or purposes of Islamic law, identified through induction from various legal texts.

Priorities within the Maqasid

Some purposes have higher priority than others, with the stronger interest prevailing in cases of conflicts.

Maqasid and Ijtihad

Knowledge of Maqasid is crucial for Ijtihad, helping derive sound legal rules and benefiting society.

Contemporary Scholars' Views

Recognition of Maqasid knowledge as a condition for a mujtahid, aiding in deriving laws through Ijtihad.

Development of Law

Maqasid serves as a basis for Ijtihad, especially in cases not covered by clear legal texts, such as new situations like drug consumption affecting 'aql.