IJC 301 Islamic Objectives (Maqasid Ash-Shari’ah)
This course introduces students to the universal principles and higher objectives, or the maqasid of ash-shari’ah, that underlie Islamic rules and regulations. Students explore the interplay of ethics, revelation, and reason in Islamic rules and regulations. They have an opportunity to learn and critically reflect on theological and philosophical understandings of ethical and moral dilemmas, the nature of good and evil, benefit and harm, public interest and human rights, and all higher objectives of the Shari’ah, including the protection of faith, protection of property, protection of intellect, protection of life, and protection of dignity. Through lectures, scenario-based learning activities, and independent case studies, students also look at the theory and practice of Islamic jurisprudence's higher objectives and intents in modern times. Students critically analyze the classic theories of Al-Amiri, Al-Juwaini, Al-Ghazzali, Al-Shatibi, as well as the contemporary theories of Ibn Ashur, Al-Raissouni, and Al-Alwani and reflect on the levels of necessities, needs and luxuries.
Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate an informed awareness of the various theories and applications of the maqasid, and their expressions in major schools of Islamic jurisprudence.
Critically examine the literalist and other approaches and explain their impact on Islamic law.
Demonstrate working knowledge of the contributions of the main Imams of the maqasid, evaluate, and compare and contrast the validity of their theories.
Critically assess the influence of worldviews on the perception of the maqasid.
Apply acquired knowledge and skills to contemporary issues, including human rights, property rights, religious rights, dignity, etc.
Review, analyze, present, interpret, and evaluate various arguments, assumptions and concepts related to the maqasid underlying Islamic rules and regulations.
Express information, arguments, theses, and analyses accurately and clearly in both written and oral forms regarding the maqasid to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Demonstrate skills in library research and building a bibliography, and use standard conventions of style for scholarly writing.
Design and carry out research/case studies with their peers on the interpretation and implementation of Islamic teachings on the maqasid in an area of their choice (e.g., banking, life insurance, house financing, tourism industry, human rights, civic engagements, human dignity, etc.).
Critically evaluate fallacies, biases, weaknesses and strengths in their own and others’ approaches to ideas, interpretations, understanding, and application of the procedures of the higher objectives.