MAQASID AL-SHARI'AH AS A METHODOLOGY FOR TAJDID A RETURN TO THE SPIRIT OF THE QUR'AN AND THE SUNNAH OF HIS MESSENGER (SAAS)

Abstract

The intention of this thesis is to demonstrate the necessity to revisit and utilize the principles, purposes and objectives (Maqasid) of the Qur'an and Sunnah as the methodology to expose erroneous beliefs that have pervaded the religion of Islam past and present. According to the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet, the religion would become corrupted. Conversely, Allah Most High vows to protect the religion of Islam and the Sunnah of the Prophet through human agency. This thesis will articulate the styles of deviation that have been mentioned within the Qur'an and Sunnah and will propose the system of maqasid as a necessary corrective to maintain faithfulness in lieu of the prevalence towards deviation. The religion of Islam has historically been contaminated through literalism, divergent beliefs and practices, corruption of the Sunnah and incorrect legal judgments (ijtihad). The exoteric aspect of the religion has been obsessively exaggerated while the esoteric (tasawwuf), or the spiritual aspect of the heart has been condemned as an innovation. Renewal (tajdid) of the religion is a perpetual obligation on the Muslims to return to the objectives or the maqasid of revelation. I propose the knowledge and application of the principles, purposes and objectives (Maqasid al-Shari'ah) of the Qur'an coupled with the maqasid of the Prophetic Sunnah is the illuminating methodology for tajdid. I will demonstrate that revisiting disputed fatawa, fiqh and hadiths through the prism of Maqasid al-Shari'ah is the most logical methodology to expose fallacious beliefs from antiquity and clarify contemporary deviations propagated with the advent of mass literacy.