The Maqasid Al-Shariah: Objectives of Islamic Law

The Maqasid Al-Shariah refers to the higher objectives or goals of Islamic law. These objectives ensure that the implementation of Shariah is beneficial to humanity and covers all aspects of life. The primary goals of Shariah are to protect and promote the following five essentials:

Protection of Faith (Deen)

• Ensuring the freedom to practice and propagate Islam.
• Preventing anything that could lead to shirk (associating partners with Allah) or kufr (disbelief).
• Example: Laws against apostasy and blasphemy are meant to protect the sanctity of the Islamic faith.
• Quranic Reference:

“O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him]”

Quran 3:102

Protection of Life (Nafs)

• Preserving human life and dignity.
• Implementing laws to prevent murder and physical harm.
• Example: The prohibition of murder and the legal punishment for it (Quran 5:32).
• Quranic Reference:

“Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely”

Quran 5:32

Protection of Intellect (Aql)

• Safeguarding the mind and ensuring mental well-being.
• Prohibiting intoxicants and harmful substances.
• Example: The Quranic prohibition of alcohol (Quran 5:90).
• Quranic Reference:

“O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful”

Quran 5:90

Protection of Lineage (Nasl)

• Ensuring the sanctity and protection of family and offspring.
• Laws governing marriage, inheritance, and sexual relations.
• Example: The rules of inheritance to ensure fair distribution among heirs (Quran 4:11).
• Quranic Reference:

“Allah instructs you concerning your children: for the male, what is equal to the share of two females”

Quran 4:11

Protection of Property (Mal)

• Safeguarding individual and communal wealth.
• Prohibiting theft, fraud, and corruption.
• Example: The punishment for theft as a means to protect property (Quran 5:38).
• Quranic Reference:

“[As for] the thief, the male and the female, amputate their hands in recompense for what they committed as a deterrent [punishment] from Allah. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise”
Quran 5:38

Comprehensive Framework

The Maqasid Al-Shariah provides a comprehensive framework ensuring that Islamic law is applied with the intention of achieving justice, mercy, and the well-being of society. It aligns the detailed rulings of the Shariah with the broader objectives of promoting human welfare and preventing harm. This holistic approach ensures that the principles of Shariah are relevant and beneficial in all contexts, promoting a balanced and just society.