Analysis of the Maqashid Syariah Approach to the Death Penalty for Drug Offenders

This study examines the application of the death penalty for drug offenders from the perspective of Maqashid Syariah, the higher objectives of Islamic law that emphasize the preservation of life, intellect, religion, lineage, and wealth. The research aims to analyze whether the use of capital punishment in drug-related cases aligns with the ethical and jurisprudential principles of Shariah. Utilizing a qualitative methodology through doctrinal analysis of Islamic texts and contemporary legal practices, the study identifies a tension between strict punitive measures and the maqashid’s emphasis on justice, mercy, and social welfare. The findings suggest that alternative penalties such as rehabilitation and life imprisonment are more consistent with Maqashid principles, offering a balanced approach that upholds human dignity and promotes societal harmony. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on Islamic criminal justice reform, advocating for policies that reflect both religious values and contemporary human rights concerns.