Key figures: Al-Ghazali (~1058–1111 AD), Al-Mustasfa; Al-Shatibi (~1320–1388 AD), Al-Muwafaqat; modern applications by Tariq Ramadan, Jasser Auda.

Maqasid al-Shariah (‘objectives of Islamic law’) is the jurisprudential theory that Islamic law exists to serve five (or six) fundamental human interests: the preservation of (1) religion (din), (2) life (nafs), (3) intellect (aql), (4) lineage/family (nasl), and (5) property (mal) — with some scholars adding (6) honor (ird). Al-Ghazali systematized this framework; Al-Shatibi developed it into a comprehensive legal philosophy.

Theological significance: Maqasid theory allows jurists to ask not just ‘what does the text say?’ but ‘what purpose does this ruling serve?’ — opening space for contextual reinterpretation without abandoning the authority of the Quran and Sunnah. It is the primary theoretical tool used by modern Islamic scholars attempting to reconcile Islamic law with human rights frameworks, modern governance, and changed social conditions. Conservative scholars worry that maqasid reasoning can be used to override clear textual rulings in the name of ‘objectives’ — effectively a backdoor for Westernization. Progressive scholars argue it recovers Islam’s original ethical spirit against rigid literalism.