Maqāṣid Al-Sharīʿah in Classical Fiqh Literature: A Historical Approach

Abstract

Islam, for the welfare of the human beings has put countless guidelines. It has been observed that these certain aims, rules and objectives are for the assistance of people and hasn’t leftward any provisions unjustified and worthless. Thus Allah’s mandates and proscriptions include some interests and benefit for whole humanity. The major objective of Islamic fiqh (jurisprudence) is to provide rules whose target is to declare that all human beings are equal. Allah Almighty declared Islamic sharīʿah as a basis for the betterment of the individual and whole society, to provide the rules and regulations which are planned to deliver the settlements for development and achieving perfection in the human’s life in this world. Rahmah (mercy) and huda (guidance) are the two major objectives of Islamic Shari’ah. In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty has mentioned the purpose of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in the following words, “And we have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” If people on the earth without any discrimination of race, color, age and nationality prevail the falah as the real objective then there will be no difference among societies and Sharia’s main purpose of development of humanity will be achieved. Every human being wants life to be contented and to lead a peaceful life and this can be achieved only when there is an element of unity and co-operation in the society and everyone is aware of others rights.