The Integration between the Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah and Legal Anthropology: Efforts to Implement Islamic Law in Confronting the Challenges of a Multicultural Reality.

Abstract

This study examines issues in Islamic jurisprudence through the lens of Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah (objectives of Islamic law). The universality of these objectives is continually challenged by the unavoidable multicultural nature of human society. Within this setting, Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah aims to formulate rulings aligned with public interest (maṣlaḥah). However, a major difficulty lies in clarifying the ‘illah (legal rationale), which must be accurately identified to address culturally diverse contexts. Anthropology, as a supporting discipline, offers valuable insights in this regard by helping to interpret the ‘illah and evaluate its relevance to multicultural realities. Using a library research approach, this study analyzes literature on the relationship between Sharī‘ah and culture. The findings indicate that Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah can interact productively with anthropology, as both share a foundation in scientific reasoning, comprehensive methodology, empirical observation, and objectivity.