The Conditions for Applying Maqasid al-Shariah in Al-Muwafaqat: A Critical Examination of Contemporary Reconstructions

Abstract

Contemporary Maqasid applications lack systematically formulated classical epistemological criteria for accurately evaluating the methodological validity of modern reconstructive approaches.  This study formulates al-Shatibi's epistemological conditions and critically evaluates Jasser Auda's reconstruction against the established classical methodological framework. This qualitative library research employed a philosophical-normative approach, analysing primary texts through textual induction, critical analysis, and comparative analysis to formulate epistemological conditions and evaluate Auda's reconstruction. The study identifies ten epistemological conditions governing the legitimate application of Maqasid al-Shari?ah within al-Shatibi's framework, including textual induction, preservation of established rulings, recognition of ma?la?ah by the Shari?ah, qualified ijtihad, and systemic legal coherence. Together, these conditions establish a comprehensive evaluative framework. Comparative analysis reveals that Jasser Auda's systems approach introduces a paradigmatic shift from the classical sequence of Nash–Maqasid–Ijtihad to Maqasid–Reconstruction–Re-reading of Nash. Consequently, Maqasid shifts from an axiological principle to an epistemological foundation, departing from several classical conditions concerning textual authority, legal coherence, and methodological limitations established by al-Shatibi. Conclusion: Al-Shatibi's epistemological framework provides a systematic classical benchmark for evaluating the methodological validity of contemporary Maqasid-based legal reasoning. This study provides scholars and practitioners with a rigorous classical framework for assessing contemporary Maqasid methodologies through consistent methodological standards.