Aligning Maqasid al-Shari'ah and Ijtihad: A Framework for Contemporary Islamic Jurisprudence

Abstract

This paper examines the nuanced relationship between Maqasid al-Shari'ah (objectives of Islamic law) and Ijtihad (legal reasoning) within the framework of contemporary Islamic jurisprudence. Through a structured analysis of both classical and contemporary works, it explores how Maqasid al-Shari'ah provides an essential foundation that guides and validates Ijtihad. This research reveals that Maqasid emphasizes public interest (maslahah) over individual benefit, equipping Islamic legal theory with methodological tools relevant to modern issues. It highlights that a comprehensive understanding of Maqasid is crucial for effective Ijtihad, ensuring that legal interpretations remain aligned with Islamic law's overarching objectives while adapting to contemporary challenges. This study contributes to ongoing discourse in Islamic legal theory by analyzing the dynamic interplay between these two concepts.