Maqasid al-Shariah
مقاصد الشريعة
Pronunciation: mah-KAH-sid ash-shah-REE-ah
The higher objectives of Islamic law — preservation of faith, life, intellect, lineage, and wealth.
Definition
The higher objectives and purposes of Islamic law. Scholars identify five essential objectives (daruriyyat) that Shariah seeks to protect: (1) faith (din), (2) life (nafs), (3) intellect (aql), (4) lineage/family (nasl), and (5) wealth (mal).
In Islamic finance, maqasid al-Shariah provides a framework for evaluating whether financial products and practices serve genuine economic and social benefit, beyond merely checking technical compliance with contract rules. A product that is technically Shariah-compliant but exploitative may still fail the maqasid test.
Related Terms
Shariahشريعة
Islamic law derived from the Quran and Sunnah — the foundation of all Islamic financial principles.
Fiqh al-Muamalatفقه المعاملات
Islamic jurisprudence governing commercial and financial transactions.
Falahفلاح
Success and well-being in this life and the hereafter — the ultimate objective of Islamic economic activity.
Further Reading
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Maqasid al-Shariah (مقاصد الشريعة) — The higher objectives of Islamic law — preservation of faith, life, intellect, lineage, and wealth. The higher objectives and purposes of Islamic law. Scholars identify five essential objectives (daruriyyat) that Shariah seeks to protect: (1) faith (din), (2) life (nafs), (3) intellect (aql), (4) lineage/family (nasl), and (5) wealth (mal).
- The higher objectives of Islamic law — preservation of faith, life, intellect, lineage, and wealth.
- Category: Governance
- Related: Shariah, Fiqh al-Muamalat, Falah
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Reviewed by: HalalWallet Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 2026-03-06
Editorial Team, HalalWallet
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