Author: Shukran Ahmadi
Inquiries on the Science of the Objectives of Sharia (the 65th and final part)
C: Principles Related to the Objectives of the Mukallaf (Legally Responsible Person)
1.Whenever the goal of the Mukallaf contradicts the purpose of the Lawgiver (Sharia), it is deemed invalid; because religious acts are instituted to bring about benefits and repel harms, and this objective is not fulfilled when opposed.
As al-Ghazali (MABH) says: opposing the objective of the Lawgiver is forbidden. Therefore, seeking nearness to Allah through hardship is not permissible, since righteous deeds are the means of nearness to Allah the Exalted, and hardship in and of itself is not inherently desired.
Sometimes, the reward for a difficult deed is greater, in which case the Mukallaf performs the difficult action with the intention of attaining a greater reward—not for the sake of hardship itself.
2. The Lawgiver has established a path of relief for every difficult and burdensome action, so that one who seeks relief may find it—such as the legal dispensations (rukhaṣ) which serve as alternatives to strict commands (‘azā’im). In either case, the doer follows the command of the Lawgiver.
3. Customary matters (the habits and customs of people) are not considered un-Islamic unless they contradict explicit religious texts. Their validity does not require religious proof, because the default in customary matters is that their benefit is considered valid—unless they contradict religious texts, in which case that benefit is nullified.
Section D: Principles Related to Preferences
1.Necessities (ḍarūriyyāt) are prioritized first, then needs (ḥājiyyāt), and then embellishments (taḥsinyyat).
2.Public interests take precedence over private ones.
3.General (comprehensive) interests are superior to supplementary interests.
4.Repelling harm is prioritized over bringing benefit. When both harm and benefit are present in a matter, preventing the harm takes precedence, as the Lawgiver often seeks to eliminate prohibitions.
5.The objective (maqsad) always takes precedence over the means (wasilah).
6.A more prevalent harm (mufsadah aghlabiyyah) takes precedence over a less prevalent one.
7.A certain (established) harm takes precedence over a probable or disputed harm.
8.Preserving some benefits is better than losing everything.
Important Observation:
What becomes evident through these principles and characteristics is the greatness and magnificence of the Islamic Sharia and its objectives.
Key Points:
•The features of the objectives of Islamic Sharia (Maqasid al-Sharia) are divided into two categories: primary features and secondary features.
•The principles of Maqasid al-Sharia are also divided into two categories: general principles and specific principles.
•The specific principles are further divided into four sections:
1.Principles related to identifying the objectives
2.Principles related to the means to the objectives
3.Principles related to the objectives of the Mukallaf
4.Principles related to preferences
Previous Part
References:
1.The Holy Qur’an
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3.al-Raysūnī, Aḥmad. (1992), Naẓariyyat al-Maqāṣid ‘inda al-Imām al-Shāṭibī, International Islamic Book House.
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