The Thoughts of Imam al-Ghazali and Imam al-Shatibi on the Objectives of Sharia (Maqasid al-Sharia) and Their Impact on the Sciences of Maqasid al-Sharia

Abstract

This study examines the intellectual contributions of Imam Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali and Imam Abu Ishaq Al-Shatibi to the theory and science of Maqasid al-Shariah, with particular emphasis on their impact on the systematic development of this discipline. The study adopts an analytical and comparative methodology to explore how Imam al-Ghazali laid the foundational theoretical framework of Maqasid by defining human interest (Masalih) as the core objective of Islamic law and by formulating the concept of the five essential objectives: the protection of religion, life, intellect, lineage, and property. Imam al-Ghazali further classified human interests into necessities, needs, and embellishments, thereby providing a structured hierarchy for legal reasoning within Usul al-Fiqh. Building upon these foundations, Imam al-Shatibi advanced Maqasid al-Shariah into an independent and coherent science through an inductive approach based on a comprehensive examination of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Imam al-Shatibi emphasized the universality, certainty, and centrality of Maqasid in Islamic legal interpretation, introducing key concepts such as the intent of the lawgiver (Qasd al-Shari‘) and the intent of the legally responsible individual (Qasd al-Mukallaf). The study concludes that while Imam al-Ghazali established the conceptual and theoretical basis of Maqasid theory, Imam al-Shatibi perfected it into a systematic methodological framework, making Maqasid al-Shariah a vital tool for both classical jurisprudence and contemporary Islamic legal thought.