UNDERSTANDING MAQASID AL-SHARIA

AL-QAHTANÜs work contributes to the ever growing body of scholarly literature m the field of al-Sbari a/’ ( higher arms and obleetives of Islanuc law). Understandmg Maqåsid at-Shari ab calls for the development of a iundxal sense that finely tuned to the higher olyecuves and purposes of Islamic rulings. the aims of which are the formulation of a new methodology in understanding the revealed texts and the reform of Muslim thought and Its application. Al-Qahtani draws attention to the importance of understanding various levels of maqåscd, including distinguishing between primary arms ‘al-maqåsid al-asliyyab) and secondary aims ial-maqåsid al-tåbi ab). He asserts that a positive understanding of the objectives of the Shari ah should produce affirmative human as well as cultural development in Muslim
societies.
One particular strength of this work lies in the author’s application of the higher objectives and arms of the Shan ah to different areas of jurisprudence, such as in deriving and issuing religious rulings and to important social issues and challenges facing Muslim societies today.
These include the role and status of women, problems of extremism and laxity, the nusappheauon and abuse of the Shari ah, the crisis of Muslim thought, and the need to counter religious excessiveness. In addition Issues often overlooked but Important for mental well-being
and societal welfare are assessed, including the need for recreation and leisure, and the active cultivation and promotion of aesthetics and harmony.

• AUTHOR: bin Ali al.Qahtani 
• PUBLISHER: Islamic Book Trust, Malaysia