HARMONIZING DIVINE INTENTIONS WITH HUMAN WELFARE: THE MAQĀṢID ASH-SHARĪ’AH APPROACH OF ‘ABDUR RAḤMĀN NĀṢIR AS-SI’DĪ

Abstract

This research paper delves into the significant scholarly contributions of ‘Abdur Raḥmān Nāṣir As-Si’dī towards understanding the Maqāṣid Ash-Sharī’ah (objectives of Islamic Law). It highlights how As-Si’dī systematically engaged with these objectives and emphasizes their role in applying Islamic law in a manner that balances textual fidelity with contextual relevance. His works, which range from Qur'anic exegesis to treatises on the virtues of Islam, demonstrate a deep commitment to exploring the ethical and moral dimensions of the Sharī’ah, its adaptability, and its contemporary relevance. The paper outlines As-Si’dī's methodological approach to prioritizing the objectives of Islamic law, his exploration of its purposes, and the ranking of these objectives to guide legal reasoning and decision-making. It seeks to underscore As-Si’dī's contributions to the dialogue within Islamic jurisprudence about the balance between traditional understanding and contemporary challenges.