Nazariyat al-Maqasid inda al-Imam al-Shatibi

Nazariyat al-Maqasid inda al-Imam al-Shatibi (The Theory of Higher Objectives According to Imam al-Shatibi) is an academic study in Islamic legal theory by the contemporary Moroccan scholar Ahmad al-Raysuni, dedicated to analyzing and reconstructing the maqasid theory developed by the eighth-century Andalusian jurist Abu Ishaq al-Shatibi Nazariyat al-Maqasid inda…+1.

Background and Purpose

The work originated as an academic thesis examining al-Shatibi's thought in al-Muwafaqat and his other writings Nazariyat al-Maqasid inda…+1. Al-Raysuni's stated purpose was to provide a comprehensive, systematic examination of al-Shatibi’s objective-oriented jurisprudence, trace its historical roots, evaluate its components, and demonstrate how maqasid serve as an indispensable framework for legal interpretation and contemporary ijtihad Nazariyat al-Maqasid inda…+1.

In the introductory preface, the author examines modern definitions of maqasid, including those articulated by Muhammad al-Tahir Ibn Ashur and Allal al-Fasi, while noting that classical legal theorists and al-Shatibi himself typically took the term's meaning as understood without defining it formally Nazariyat al-Maqasid inda….

Structure and Contents

The book is organized into a preliminary introduction, four main parts (abwab), and a concluding chapter Nazariyat al-Maqasid inda…+1:

Part One: Maqasid Before al-Shatibi

This part surveys the historical evolution of teleological thinking in Islamic jurisprudence across two chapters Nazariyat al-Maqasid inda…:

• The Idea of Maqasid Among Legal Theorists: Examines early contributions by figures such as al-Hakim al-Tirmidhi, Abu Mansur al-Maturidi, Abu Bakr al-Shashi al-Qaffal, Abu Bakr al-Abhari, and Abu Bakr al-Baqillani; followed by major usul theorists, including Abu al-Ma'ali al-Juwayni, Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, Sayf al-Din al-Amidi, Ibn al-Hajib, al-Baydawi, al-Isnawi, Taj al-Din al-Subki, Izz al-Din ibn Abd al-Salam, Shihab al-Din al-Qarafi, Ibn Taymiyyah, and Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah Nazariyat al-Maqasid inda….
• Maqasid in the Maliki School: Explores foundational Maliki principles tied to teleological reasoning, specifically public interest (al-maslahah al-mursalah), blocking the means to harm (sadd al-dhara'i'), and considering the intentions of legal actors Nazariyat al-Maqasid inda….

Part Two: Al-Shatibi and His Theory

This part focuses directly on al-Shatibi and the structural formulation of his theory Nazariyat al-Maqasid inda…:

• Biography of al-Shatibi: Summarizes his teachers, students, writings, scholarly life, tribulations, and correspondence Nazariyat al-Maqasid inda…+1.
• Presentation of the Theory: Details the ratiocination of rulings (ta'lil al-shari'ah) and al-Shatibi's primary division of objectives into the intent of the Lawgiver (qasd al-shari')—subdivided into four aspects: legislation for human welfare, intelligibility, imposition of obligations, and bringing the mukallaf under divine law—and the intent of the accountable individual (maqasid al-mukallaf) Nazariyat al-Maqasid inda…+1.
• Dimensions of the Theory: Traces how maqasid operate beyond the dedicated book of objectives in al-Muwafaqat, particularly regarding the five essential necessities (al-daruriyyat al-khams), permissible actions (al-mubah), and causes and effects (al-asbab wa-al-musabbabat) Nazariyat al-Maqasid inda…+1.

Part Three: Fundamental Issues in al-Shatibi's Theory

This part addresses key conceptual debates Nazariyat al-Maqasid inda…+1:

• The Question of Ratiocination (Ta'lil): Explores whether legal rulings are rationalizable or purely devotional, reviewing opposing positions such as those of the Zahiriyyah, al-Razi, and Ibn Hazm Nazariyat al-Maqasid inda….
• Benefits and Harms (al-Masalih wa-al-Mafasid): Analyzes the nature of benefits and harms, rational perception of interests, text interpretation guided by public interest, and managing variable or conflicting benefits Nazariyat al-Maqasid inda….
• Methods of Identifying Maqasid: Identifies the textual and methodological tools used to ascertain divine intent, including Arabic linguistic conventions, commands and prohibitions, primary versus secondary objectives, legislative silence, and thematic induction (al-istiqra') Nazariyat al-Maqasid inda….

Part Four: General Assessment of the Theory

• Tradition and Innovation: Assesses al-Shatibi's reliance on earlier usul theorists and Maliki jurisprudence alongside his original contributions, such as expanding the scope of maqasid, systematizing the rules of intent, and formulating distinct canons of maqasid Nazariyat al-Maqasid inda….
• Maqasid and Ijtihad: Details the practical application of objectives to legal reasoning, including qualifications for the mujtahid, interpreting specific texts in light of universal principles, and the consideration of legal outcomes (i'tibar al-ma'alat) Nazariyat al-Maqasid inda…+1.

The book closes with an epilogue outlining future prospects for research in maqasid Nazariyat al-Maqasid inda….

Publication

The work was published as part of university thesis selection series by the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) in cooperation with al-Dar al-'Alamiyyah lil-Kitab al-Islami in Riyadh al-Tamadhhub - Dirasah Na…+1. It went through multiple editions, including a second edition in 1412 AH / 1992 CE and a fourth edition in 1416 AH Majallat al-Jami'a al-Isl…+1.