Inquiries on the Science of the Objectives of Sharia (Part 16)
We will examine and analyze the ways to achieve the objectives of Sharia, in light of Sharia rulings, in the following discussions.
1. Induction (Istiqra)
As mentioned, induction is one of the methods used to recognize the objectives of Sharia. In this section, we will discuss the literal and idiomatic meanings of induction, the types of induction, and its validity.
A. Definition of Induction
In proving objectives, induction is considered one of the fundamental logical terms and arguments; therefore, it is necessary first to define induction and outline its types.
Linguistic Definition of Induction
Induction literally means “to trace, to follow, and to examine.” For example, one might say, “I followed the individuals and details of things in order to know their states and characteristics.”
Terminological Definition of Induction
Imam Ghazali, may Allah have mercy on him, defined induction as follows: “It is the search for minute matters so that we can derive their rulings and apply them to other details that are similar.” In other words, it refers to “going from one detail to another in two matters that are similar to each other, where the ruling of one is known, in order to prove the same ruling for the other based on the existing similarity.” In induction, the researcher attempts to obtain the ruling of an unknown case by investigating known details.
B. Types of Induction
Induction can be categorized into two types: complete induction and incomplete induction.
1. Complete Induction: This involves “searching for all the details and individuals of a whole and observing what they have in common in a matter, leading to a general rule.” This type of induction is regarded as an argument, as it results in a conclusion whose ruling is confirmed in the event of a dispute; it is also known as analogy.
For example: If we say, “All humans I have ever seen die,” and “Socrates is a human being”; thus, “Socrates will die.” The first premise asserts that every being under the title “human” that the claimant has observed dies. The second statement confirms that Socrates also falls under this title. Therefore, since he is a human being, this characteristic also applies to him.
A second example could be: “Every prayer is either obligatory or Nafl. Purity is a condition for every prayer; hence, every prayer is not valid without purification.” It is evident that this is a definitive matter; when it is confirmed for each individual case, it is also confirmed generally.
