MAQASID-BASED IJTIHAD: FROM THEORETICAL ACCEPTANCE TO SOUND APPLICATION—A JURISPRUDENTIAL APPROACH TO CONSTRUCTING A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATIVE FRAMEWORK

This study examines the methodological standards and essential requirements of Maqasid-based Ijtihad, emphasizing their role in ensuring the sound interpretation and application of Islamic legal rulings. It addresses the challenges arising from excessive or insufficient consideration of Sharia objectives and seeks to establish a balanced framework integrating legal evidence, juristic principles, and contemporary realities.The research employs analytical, critical-comparative, and applied methodologies to examine the relationship between Sharia objectives, legal reasoning, public interests, and anticipated consequences. It also analyzes two hypothetical digital donation platforms within the UAE legislative framework to illustrate the significance of contextual differences in determining legal rulings.The findings demonstrate that Maqasid-based Ijtihad constitutes an integral component of Islamic legal methodology rather than an independent alternative to established jurisprudential principles. Its validity requires three interconnected stages: establishing the legitimacy of Sharia objectives, ensuring sound legal reasoning, and accurately applying rulings to specific circumstances while considering their consequences. The study also distinguishes methodological standards from the scholarly competencies necessary for their implementation.The study concludes that effective Maqasid-based Ijtihad requires integrating authoritative legal evidence, accurate contextual understanding, and careful assessment of consequences, thereby promoting balanced, disciplined, and reliable contemporary Islamic jurisprudence.