Maqasid Al-Shari'ah and Ijtihad as Instrument s of Civilisational Renewal: A Methodological Perspective

Abstract

This article develops the idea of a maqasid-based framework for civilisational renewal (tajdid hadari), a broad and engaging prospect that also involves a review and reappraisal of the methodology of Islamic jurisprudence relating to the maqasid. The author argues that this would enable Muslims to widen the scope and horizon of the maqasid or objectives of Islamic law from their currently legalistic leanings towards the wider perspective of civilisational renaissance.