Abuse of Rights: A Comparative Study between Mālikī Jurisprudence & Positive Law

Abstract

This paper offers a comparative analytical evaluation of the theory of abuse of rights as articulated within Mālikī jurisprudence and in positive law. It highlights the doctrinal foundations of this theory within the Mālikī school, characterized by the extensive application of this concept to encompass all types of harm, supported by evidence from the Holy Quran and Sunnah. The research also employs a qualitative method based on a comparative analysis of classic jurisprudential texts, such as al-Muwāfaqāt, al-Furūq, and al-Mudawwanah, while specifically focusing on contemporary positive law, such as the civil codes of Egypt and Algeria. The study demonstrates that there is a high degree of overlap between the core criteria laid down by Mālikī jurisprudence related to the abuse of rights and the related criteria adopted in contemporary positive law, especially concerning three basic criteria: the illegitimacy of the interest; the intent to harm others; and the inconsistency between the interest sought and the harm caused. The study also demonstrates that Mālikī jurisprudence was at the forefront of developing an integrated theory of abuse of rights that carefully balances private interests with broader public-interest principles.