Inquiries on the Science of the Objectives of Sharia (part One)
Abstract: The objective of Sharia is a body of knowledge that discusses the purposes, causes, wisdom, goals, and ends that the Holy Sharia considers in legislating rules, both generally and specifically, in order to observe the interests of the servants. The science of objectives increases the capacity of the Mujtahid to derive rulings, guides him in addressing new cases and unwritten issues, resolves conflicts between apparently conflicting texts, and aids in understanding those texts. This is significant because Islamic Sharia encompasses both the general and specific interests and goals of people in this world and the hereafter.
In Islamic Sharia, there are apparently conflicting and diverse texts and evidence; in other cases, we encounter a lack of Sharia texts and clarifications. In these situations, the objectives of Sharia play an essential and important role in deriving Sharia rulings and ensuring their alignment with social needs. Sharia rulings are at the center of goals and intentions, and understanding these goals is a prerequisite for achieving Sharia rulings.
Given the importance of the purposes and benefits of the science of the objectives of Sharia, we have decided to regularly compile and present discussions regarding the purposes of Sharia to readers. This is because the solutions to our current problems cannot be achieved without understanding the causes of rulings and their purposes. Jurisprudence that is devoid of wisdom, logic, and reasoning will lead to ignorance and mere imitation. Therefore, based on human efforts, we have collected important topics related to this science, arranged them with clear examples, and utilized reliable sources. It is hoped that this work will be useful and enlightening for those who seek knowledge.
Introduction
It should be noted that supreme Islamic law encompasses the general and specific interests and goals of people in this world and the hereafter. In jurisprudential literature, these interests and goals are termed the objectives of Sharia, and they are specified in various Sharia proofs. The objectives of Sharia serve as a guiding light and key for comprehending and inferring jurisprudential rulings in both written and, more importantly, unwritten cases. Jurists and Mujtahids infer Sharia rulings with reference to the purposes of Sharia and in light of them.
In Islamic Sharia, there are instances of seemingly conflicting and diverse Sharia texts and evidence, and in other cases, we face a lack of texts and clarifications relating to Sharia evidence. In these scenarios, the objectives of Sharia assume a vital role in deriving Sharia rulings and ensuring their alignment with social needs. Sharia rulings are the essence of goals and objectives, and recognizing these goals is a prelude to manifesting Sharia rulings.
Thus, the centrality of intentions in the rulings of Islamic Sharia has significant application and importance; the rulings of unwritten cases can be derived based on these intentions. Furthermore, in cases of conflicting evidence, the objectives of Sharia can greatly aid in resolving the conflict, prioritizing the evidence, and inferring the verdict. Understanding these objectives is instrumental in deriving rulings from principles to subcategories and from generalities to specific details; it also instills confidence and stability in the soul.
Moreover, knowledge of the objectives assists Mujtahids in deriving and implementing rulings accurately, ensuring the correctness of fatwas, balancing merits and demerits, and, in situations of apparent conflict, helps Mujtahids in their interpretation and adaptation of evidence. These aspects represent some of the important benefits and merits of this science.
In general, the evolution of the “Science of Objectives of Sharia” can be divided into three stages:
1. The first stage: the correlation of the science of objectives with other sciences, which extends from the era of Prophethood to the time of Imam al-Haramain.
2. The second stage: distinguishing the science of objectives from other sciences, which begins with Imam Al-Haramain.
3. The third stage: the authoring stage, starting with Izz al-Din ibn Abd Al-Salam and extending through Imam Shatibi, Ibn Ashur, Al-Fasi, Shah Waliullah Dehlavi, and others.
