Al-Maqasid - Chairman’s Introduction

The study of the philosophy of Islamic law, especially its maqasid (objectives, purposes, goals, intents and underlying principles) is a pre-requisite to understanding the Quran and the prophetic tradition and to developing the Islamic law in a way that achieves common good for Muslims and protects them from harm.

The development of new Islamic rulings (ijtihad), which should always be practiced by scholars, depends primarily on a comprehensive understanding of al-maqasid of the Islamic law and their prioritization in practice. The correctness of rulings that are reached through ijtihad depends on the correctness of this understanding. Hence, ijtihad is in real need of al-maqasid in order to achieve the objectives for which Prophet Muhammad (peace and praise be upon him) was sent.

For that purpose, Al-Furqan Islamic Heritage Foundation established Al-Maqasid Research Centre in the Philosophy of Islamic Law (Markaz Dirasat Maqasid Al-Sharia Al-Islamiyah). The mission of the Centre is summarized in the revitalization of the knowledge of al-maqasid, in order to develop the process of ijtihad and the renewal of Islamic fiqh, its fundamental theory (usul), and Islamic thought in general. The Centre also aims to broaden the horizons of knowledge for students of Islamic studies everywhere.

The organizational structure of the Centre includes a distinguished group of scholars and researchers in Islamic studies. The Centre's Advisory Board outlines policies, goals and strategies, while its Board of Experts supervises the Centre's various activities.

The founding seminar of the Centre met in 2005, and  included the following distinguished scholars and dignitries:

Sitting (R to L): Dr Ahmad Yusuf Sulaiman, Dr Jamaluddin Atiah, Dr Muhammad Haythem al-Khayat, Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradhwi, HE Sheikh Ahmad Zaki Yamani (Founder). Dr Abdul Aadheem al-Deeb, Dr Wahbah al-Zuhaily.

Standing (R to L): Dr Saifuddin Abd al-Fattah, Dr Abd Rahman al-Akelani, Dr Noureddin al-Khadmi, Dr Jasser Audah, Dr Hasan Jaber, Dr Muhammad Kamaleddin Emam, Dr Ibrahim al-Bayumi Ghanem, Dr Muhammad Attahir a-Misawi, Dr Mahmoud Bilal Mahran, Dr Muhammad Salim al-Awa