Research Article

Maqasid al-Shariah as an Epistemological Framework for Socio-Economic Reforms

Volume: 5 Number: 2 December 24, 2025
TR AR EN

Maqasid al-Shariah as an Epistemological Framework for Socio-Economic Reforms

Abstract

Contemporary socio-economic reforms are largely shaped by secular paradigms that prioritize material growth, structural efficiency, and market competitiveness. While these approaches have achieved measurable progress, they frequently neglect the ethical, spiritual, and holistic dimensions of human development. This imbalance has contributed to persistent poverty, widening inequality, and fragile development outcomes, particularly in Muslim societies. To address these shortcomings, this study advances Maqasid al-Shariah as an epistemological framework (MSEF) for guiding socio-economic reforms. The central aim is to critically examine how the higher objectives of Shariah can provide normative and practical direction for more just, inclusive, and sustainable development. Methodologically, the research adopts a SWOT analysis, drawing on classical juristic texts, contemporary scholarship, and policy documents to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of applying Maqasid in reform contexts. The findings indicate that Maqasid offers significant strengths, such as a holistic and value-based vision, but also faces weaknesses, including challenges of operationalization and diverse interpretations. At the same time, growing global interest in ethical development models provides opportunities for application, though political and institutional barriers pose serious threats. The significance of this study lies in reframing Maqasid al-Shariah not only as an Islamic ethical framework but also as a globally relevant paradigm for balanced socio-economic transformation. The paper recommends that policymakers, scholars, and practitioners strategically integrate Maqasid principles into reform strategies to ensure that development is both materially progressive and ethically grounded, thereby enhancing resilience, equity, and human dignity in addressing contemporary global challenges.

Keywords

Thanks

Acknowledgement: The authors sincerely appreciate the support of the Centre for Islamic Social Finance, UK, and the Research Management Centre (RMC), IIUM. Their assistance and facilitation under project SPI25-278-0278 were instrumental to the successful completion of this research.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Islamic Studies (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

December 24, 2025

Submission Date

September 9, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 1, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 5 Number: 2

APA
Mohamed, H. E.- din I., & Busari, S. (2025). Maqasid al-Shariah as an Epistemological Framework for Socio-Economic Reforms. BALAGH - Journal of Islamic and Humanities Studies, 5(2), 2-15. https://doi.org/10.65662/balagh.1780457
AMA
1.Mohamed HE din I, Busari S. Maqasid al-Shariah as an Epistemological Framework for Socio-Economic Reforms. BALAGH. 2025;5(2):2-15. doi:10.65662/balagh.1780457
Chicago
Mohamed, Hossam El-din Ibrahim, and Saheed Busari. 2025. “Maqasid Al-Shariah As an Epistemological Framework for Socio-Economic Reforms”. BALAGH - Journal of Islamic and Humanities Studies 5 (2): 2-15. https://doi.org/10.65662/balagh.1780457.
EndNote
Mohamed HE- din I, Busari S (December 1, 2025) Maqasid al-Shariah as an Epistemological Framework for Socio-Economic Reforms. BALAGH - Journal of Islamic and Humanities Studies 5 2 2–15.
IEEE
[1]H. E.- din I. Mohamed and S. Busari, “Maqasid al-Shariah as an Epistemological Framework for Socio-Economic Reforms”, BALAGH, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 2–15, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.65662/balagh.1780457.
ISNAD
Mohamed, Hossam El-din Ibrahim - Busari, Saheed. “Maqasid Al-Shariah As an Epistemological Framework for Socio-Economic Reforms”. BALAGH - Journal of Islamic and Humanities Studies 5/2 (December 1, 2025): 2-15. https://doi.org/10.65662/balagh.1780457.
JAMA
1.Mohamed HE- din I, Busari S. Maqasid al-Shariah as an Epistemological Framework for Socio-Economic Reforms. BALAGH. 2025;5:2–15.
MLA
Mohamed, Hossam El-din Ibrahim, and Saheed Busari. “Maqasid Al-Shariah As an Epistemological Framework for Socio-Economic Reforms”. BALAGH - Journal of Islamic and Humanities Studies, vol. 5, no. 2, Dec. 2025, pp. 2-15, doi:10.65662/balagh.1780457.
Vancouver
1.Hossam El-din Ibrahim Mohamed, Saheed Busari. Maqasid al-Shariah as an Epistemological Framework for Socio-Economic Reforms. BALAGH. 2025 Dec. 1;5(2):2-15. doi:10.65662/balagh.1780457

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