Inquiries on the Science of the Objectives of Sharia (Part 7)
The Historical Periods of the Science of the Objectives of Sharia
Undoubtedly, understanding the history, origin, and development of any field of knowledge is crucial. Therefore, researchers of the science of the objectives of Sharia must be well-acquainted with the establishment and stages of this discipline. The science of the objectives of Sharia, like other Sharia sciences, did not emerge instantaneously; instead, it evolved through various stages until it reached its current form of compilation and classification.
The science of the objectives of Sharia has taken its present shape through four stages:
1. The Period of Revelation and the Age of Prophecy
During this initial stage, the objectives of Sharia are addressed in the texts of the Holy Qur’an and the hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) through reasoning and wisdom. Below, we will consider some instances:
A. The Objectives of Sharia in the Light of the Quranic Verses
The Holy Qur’an frequently highlights the purposes and wisdom behind Islamic Sharia. Among these is the principle of “Yousr” (ease). Allah Almighty states: «یُریدُ اللهُ بِكُمُ الْیَسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ» Translation: “Allah wants your ease, not your hardship.”
In another verse, it is stated: «مَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ لِيَجْعَلَ عَلَيْكُمْ مِنْ حَرَجٍ وَلَكِنْ يُرِيدُ لِيُطَهِّرَكُمْ وَلِیُتمَّ نِعْمَتَهُ عَلَيْكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ» Translation: “Allah does not want to make things difficult for you; rather, He aims to purify you and complete His blessings upon you so that you may be grateful.”
In both Qur’anic verses, the wisdom of religion is emphasized, which is ease and purification from sin, as well as the benefits of Allah’s blessings.
With regard to the wisdom of prayer, the Holy Qur’an states: «إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَى عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ» Translation: “Indeed, prayer prohibits (the worshipers) from indecent and obscene acts.”
About Zakat, it says: «خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِمْ بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْ إِنَّ صَلَاتَكَ سَكَنٌ لَهُمْ …» Translation: “Take alms from their property [as Zakat] to purify and nurture them! And supplicate for them (when collecting Zakat), for your supplication is a source of peace for them.”
Additionally, the secrets and wisdom of the holy month of Ramadan and the pilgrimage to Baitullah (Kaaba) will be discussed elsewhere, Insha’Allah.
B. The Objectives of Sharia in Prophetic Hadiths
After the Qur’an, the prophetic hadiths also elucidate the objectives and general as well as specific wisdoms of Sharia. Notable examples include:
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) stated regarding the general purposes of Sharia: «إِنَّ الدِّين يسر»؛ “Religion is easy.” He further affirmed, «فَإِنَّمَا بُعِثْتُمْ مُیَسِّرِينَ، وَلَمْ تُبْعَثُوا مُعَسِّرِينَ» “I have been sent for ease, not for hardship.” Regarding intentions and minor rulings, he indicated: «إِنَّمَا جُعِلَ الاسْتِئْذَانُ مِنْ أَجْلِ البَصَرِ».
Concerning the construction and renovation of the Kaaba, he said to Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her): «أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ قَوْمَكِ لَمَّا بَنَوْا الكَعْبَةَ اقْتَصَرُوا عَنْ قَوَاعِدِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، فَقُلْتُ: يا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، أَلَا تَرُدُّهَا عَلَى قَوَاعِدِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ؟ قَالَ: «لَوْلا حِدْثَانُ قَوْمكِ بِالكُفْرِ لَفَعَلْتُ.» “Do you not see that when your people were building the Kaaba, they did not build upon the foundations that Ibrahim (peace be upon him) established?” Aisha then asked, “O Messenger of Allah, are you not building the Kaaba on the foundations of Ibrahim?” He replied: “If your people had not recently embraced Islam, I would have built the Kaaba on the foundations of Ibrahim.”
C. The Objectives of Sharia in the Speech of the Sahaba of the Holy Prophet
The Sahaba of the Prophet (peace be upon him) also articulated their objectives, which shed light on Sharia rulings. Here are a few examples:
One significant issue was the compilation of the Holy Qur’an into a single Mushaf. After the Battle of Yamama, where seventy of the Prophet’s Sahaba were martyred, the elders among the Sahaba grew concerned about the loss of the Qur’an. For the preservation of the religion, they agreed to compile the Holy Qur’an into one Mushaf. For further details, refer to the book Sahih al-Bukhari (Volume 9, Page 10).
In principle, Sharia or Islamic jurisprudence outlines that a trustee does not bear liability for loss unless due negligence can be proven. However, when the Sahaba observed that some hired workers were mismanaging people’s property and later claimed their innocence, Hazrat Ali and the Rashidun Caliphs (may Allah be pleased with them) ruled that hired hands—such as tailors—are responsible for the property under their care, even if they are not directly at fault. This ruling was based on the consideration of public interest and the objectives of Sharia, with Hazrat Ali stating: “People cannot be reformed without this.”
In summary, the examples provided illustrate the objectives of Sharia as reflected in Quranic texts, prophetic hadiths, and the words of the Sahaba during the first century of Hijri.
