Goals and Purposes of Shariah: Maqasid in Theory and Practice

In Islamic law, maqasid--literally meaning goals, purposes, or objectives--signify the intent behind the rulings (ahkam) of shariah. When not explicitly mentioned in the Qur'an, hadith, or fiqh texts, maqasid can be identified through rational enquiry and interpretation. Important as they are, the maqasid have historically been marginalised in the fiqh literature. Scholars have maintained that a Muslim must follow the ahkam of shariah and not question the purposes behind them, and have ther...