Maqasidi Interpretation; Building Interpretation Paradigm Based on Mashlahah

Abstract

This article discusses the aspects of Maqashidi interpretation, starting from its history, understanding and its relation with other interpretation methods, and steps (masalik) in Maqashidi interpretation. Maqashidi interpretation, a term which arises recently, has actually existed since the first phase of the interpretation of the Koran, i.e. in the era of sahabah and tabi’in. This way, Maqashidi interpretation is not something new in the study of the interpretation of the Quran. Based on mashlahah, Maqashidi interpretation plays an important role and mediates two major interpretations, namely textual interpretation and contextual interpretation. With such characteristics, it is expected that Maqashidi interpretation can realize the main objectives of Islamic teachings in general, and Islamic sharia in particular. This was a normative research using maqashid al-shari’ah approach. The data were collected from both secondary and primary data sources, consisting of books of Islamic legal theories. The results of this study explained that the interpretation of the Quran, both as a process and a product, is inseparable from the purpose of bringing mashlaha as the main objective of maqashid al-shari’ah. Therefore, interpretation with maqashid shari’ah paradigm exists. Maqashidi interpretation is, in fact, a necessity. The steps cover: 1) Text and law depend on their purposes (al-Nuṣuṣwa al-Ahkâm bi Maqashidiha), 2) Collecting between Kulliyât al-’Ammah and Particular Proposals, 3) Bringing Benefits and Preventing Harm (Jalbu al-Mashalih wa Dar’u al-Mafasid), and 4) Taking into account the practical outcomes (I’tibar al-Maalat).