THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PRINCIPLE OF MAQASID AL-SHARIʿA IN ISLAMIC LAW

Abstract

This article examines the concept of Maqasid al-Shariʿa (the

objectives of Islamic law), its historical development, theoretical foundations,

and practical significance within Islamic jurisprudence. The study analyzes

the evolution of this discipline through its three major stages: its preliminary

discussion within the literature of usul al-fiqh, its emergence as an independent

field of study, and its systematic development as a distinct science. Particular

attention is given to the contributions of prominent scholars such as al-Juwayni,

al-Ghazali, Izz al-Din ibn Abd al-Salam, al-Qarafi, and al-Shatibi. The article

further explores the three categories of the objectives of the Shariʿa–necessities

(daruriyyat), needs (hajiyyat), and improvements (tahsiniyyat)–with special

emphasis on the protection of religion, life, intellect, lineage, and property. The

findings demonstrate that the objectives of the Shariʿa provide a comprehensive

framework for safeguarding individual rights and promoting social welfare. The

study concludes that a proper understanding of these objectives is essential for

addressing contemporary religious and social challenges and for strengthening

an informed and balanced approach to Islamic teachings.