Maqasid al-Qur`an : an analytical study of some contemporary Muslim scholars` views

Abstract

Like Maqasid al-Shari‘ah, there is another term Maqasid al-Qur’an used by prominent Muslim scholars for so long. The former is so well-known in academic circles but the latter is less known or almost unknown. Many research works are available on the former but there is hardly any work on the latter that might shed ample light on the objectives of the Qur’an. This study aims to introduce the concept of Maqasid al-Qur’an from various angles. First, it endeavors to develop scholarly definition for this knowledge. Second, it delves into its historical development and its distinction from Maqasid al-Shari‘ah. Third, it attempts to analyze the views of three scholars, namely Rashid Rida, Ibn Ashur and Sa‘id Nursi on this subject. Fourth, it formulates the methods of identifying the higher Maqasid of the Qur’an. Fifth, it tries to develop other basic Maqasid al-Qur’an in the light of the identified methodology. Finally, it tries to identify its relation to Qur’anic exegesis. This research finds that Maqasid al-Qur’an is a science regulated by a certain methodology and provides a methodological clue in understanding various aspects of Qur’anic sciences. Moreover, it develops a new methodology of tafsir on which a new genre of Qur’anic exegesis, namely al-Tafsir al-Maqasid, could be produced. Thus, Maqasid al-Qur’an, with its methodological value, its conceptual strength, its positive role in the interpretation of the Qur’an, and its impact on ‘Ulum al-Qur’an, appears as a new science of understanding Qur’anic discourse. This is a library-based qualitative research which follows a descriptive methodology in Chapter Two and Six, and analytical methodology in Chapter Three, Four and Five.