The concept of Maqasid al-Shariah and its evolving role in a dynamic landscape

Abstract

This article addresses the concept of Maqasid al-Shariah (the objectives of Islamic law) and its evolving role in responding to the challenges of a rapidly changing modern world characterized by globalization, technological development, and shifting social realities. This research is grounded in current Islamic legal and ethical debates, where Maqasid al-Shariah is being more frequently utilized as a foundation for interpretation, adaptation, and renewal. The aim of this study is to elucidate the genuine meaning, extent, and boundaries of Maqasid al-Shariah, to differentiate it from subjective or manipulated interpretations, and to show its appropriate methodological application. The research primarily aims to define Maqasid al-Shariah, analyze the goals of creation (maqasid al-khalq) in relation to Shariah rulings, and assess their use through examples from both traditional and modern perspectives. This research work makes the case that Maqasid al-Shari’ah is not an independent alternative to textual sources (the Quran and Sunnah), but rather an integrative interpretive framework based. This study's scientific worth is derived in its thorough, integrated analysis of “Maqaṣid al-Shariah”, where fundamental legal principles are carefully balanced with contemporary settings, avoiding both oversimplification and overstatement. In terms of methodology, the study uses qualitative textual analysis, inductive inference, and a comparative approach that critically examines both traditional legal writings and their contemporary interpretations and applications. The study's conclusions show that Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah serves as a dynamic, principle-based methodological paradigm that protects fundamental Islamic values while allowing for contextual flexibility. This study enhances Islamic jurisprudence by providing a sophisticated framework for the application of Maqāṣid in the ethical, legal, financial, and social domains through the articulation of a cogent and methodical methodology, thereby connecting classical theory with modern practice.

Keywords: Maqasid al-Shariah, Islamic jurisprudence, objectives of Shariah, contemporary Islamic thought, Shariah methodology