The Objectives of Maqaṣid al-Shariʻah

Abstract

Along with Islamic finance and jurisprudence for Muslim minorities,
Maqaṣid al-Shariʻah (the higher objectives of Islamic Law)
completes the trinity of cutting-edge traditional Islamic research.
Its importance emanates from its philosophical vision, which allows
for the practice of divine text and prophetic teachings in a manner
that acknowledges and responds to contemporary challenges.
Recognizing that this vibrant topic is complex, intellectually challenging,
and that most books on the subject are written for specialists, the
International Institute of Islamic Thought published three introductory
guides to provide simple and accessible material for the general reader. The Recognizing that this vibrant topic is complex, intellectually challenging,
and that most books on the subject are written for specialists, the
International Institute of Islamic Thought published three introductory
guides to provide simple and accessible material for the general reader.
The series includes the three books above that are the subject of this review.
While significantly varying in focus, all three books succeed in providing
introductory-level texts. Muhammed Chapra presents one long argument
that human well-being and development is realized by enriching
the human self, faith, wealth, intellect, and posterity. Before moving on
in detail to examine the conditions necessary for the enrichment of faith,
wealth, intellect, and posterity, and how the Sharʻiah allows people to preserve
them all, he cites fourteen different human needs that must be taken
into account in order to enrich and invigorate the human self. Instead, Mohammad
Kamali and Jasser Auda begin with the genealogy of Maqaṣid.
After explaining its textual origins, multiple classifications, and the history
of its development, Kamali addresses Maqaṣid theory ‒ following its
expansion beyond the traditional five objectives (the focus of Chapra’s
book) and describes the main methodological challenges that have faced
the field. Auda departs from Kamali by focusing on the relevance and
promise of Maqaṣid for contemporary Islamic jurisprudence and thought ...