Islamic Creed: Maqāṣid Perspectives (2)

Summary

This book presents the proceedings of the second convocation of the scientific course on Islamic law objectives, titled “Islamic creed: Maqāṣid Perspectives (2)”. This was organised by the Centre for the Study of the Philosophy of Islamic Law at Al-Furqān Islamic Heritage Foundation, in cooperation with the Maqāṣid Research & Studies Centre (Rabat), and in coordination with the Research and Studies Laboratory in Islamic Sciences at the Faculty of Letters & Human Sciences in Mohammedia, Morocco. The course held on Wednesday and Thursday, 1-2 November 2023CE (16-17 Rabī‘ al-Thānī 1445AH), on the premises of the Faculty of Letters & Human Sciences in Mohammedia, saw a substantial scholarly presence, represented by the attendance of eminent scholars, leading academics, and a large number of students and researchers.

This second scientific course was organised in the context of diligent efforts to spur scholars and students in their own efforts to capture the epistemic value of maqāṣid science, and further, to employ maqāṣid in the service of Islamic creed, in terms of renewal, rationalisation, activation, and discovery. The course also aimed to connect creed to its benefits, yields, aims, wisdoms, and scientific fruits; to its edification, social, and other dimensions; and to the interests (maṣāliḥ) set by the Divine Legislator in each of its rulings. Moreover, revealing its manifestations and profound effects on humans, whether in the rational or emotional aspect, behavioural practice, or natural surroundings and social context. In addition, creed’s objectives in securing human good, and from which all kinds of happiness and bounties in this life and the hereafter emanate. It emphasises that the creed objectives represent the fundamental cornerstone upon which maqāṣid–based rational consideration as a whole is founded.

In order to establish this robust creed framework, and grasp the concepts of Islamic creed in their essence, one must discern and explore the objectives achieved by creed in clear detail.

The training course papers revolved around the objectives (maqāṣid) of Divine Acts, and the objectives of belief in: Allāh’s Names (asmā’) and Attributes (ṣifāt), the Angels, the Prophets and Messengers, resurrection (al-ba‘th), and the Divine Decree (al-qaḍā’) and predestination (al-qadar). The course also examined the efforts of Muhammad Abduh and Mohammed al-Ghazali in elucidating the objectives of creed. In addition, the course discussed a paper on the objectives-based utilisation of the innate nature (fiṭrah) indicant.