EXPLORING THE ETHICAL DIMENSIONS OF FIQH: THE ROLE OF THE SOUL IN ACHIEVING MAQĀṢID AL-SHARĪ‘AH

Abstract

This study delves into the ethical intricacies within Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), with a particular focus on the integral role of the soul in realising the higher objectives of Islamic law, known as maqāṣid al-sharīʿah. Drawing from classical Islamic jurisprudence and ethical philosophy, the research explores how fiqh goes beyond legal compliance to emphasise the cultivation of moral excellence, with the soul (nafs) serving as a fundamental element in this ethical pursuit. Through alignment with divine purpose, individuals contribute to justice, compassion, and societal well-being. The study offers a concise exploration of fiqh's ethical dimensions, highlighting the profound significance of the soul in the pursuit of maqāṣid al-sharīʿah, which encompass the preservation of religion, life, intellect, progeny, and property. By shedding light on the ethical dimensions of fiqh and the centrality of the soul in Islamic ethical thought, this study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the moral foundations of Islamic law and jurisprudence, enriching contemporary discourses on ethics and jurisprudence within the Islamic tradition.