Maqasid al-Aqeedah as a frame work for comparative religious studies and interfaith dialogue

Mohamed Shafeen, Mohamed Ashath (2026) Maqasid al-Aqeedah as a frame work for comparative religious studies and interfaith dialogue. Islam on Web, N/A (N/A). pp. 1-4.

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Abstract

Islamic theology (ʿaqīdah) is often presented as a set of doctrinal beliefs that Muslims must affirm, such as belief in God, prophets, revelation, angels, and the Day of Judgment. However, when examined through the perspective of maqāṣid (objectives or higher purposes), Islamic Theology can also be understood as a dynamic framework that aims to guide human beings toward spiritual fulfillment, moral responsibility, and social harmony. The theory of maqāṣid was systematically developed by classical Muslim scholars such as Abu Ishaq al-Shatibi, who argued that Islamic teachings always pursue higher objectives that promote human welfare (maṣlaḥah). In contemporary scholarship, thinkers such as Jasser Auda have expanded this approach to include broader ethical and civilizational dimensions. While the maqāṣid framework has been widely applied to Islamic law (maqāṣid al-sharīʿah), its application to theology remains underdeveloped. Developing a theory of Maqāṣid al-ʿAqīdah therefore offers an important contribution to Islamic studies, comparative religion, and interfaith dialogue.

Item Type:	Article (Electronic Media)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP166 Theology (Kalam) > BP166.1 History of theology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP171 Relation of Islam to other religions B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BT Doctrinal Theology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BV Practical Theology
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Fundamental and Inter-Disciplinary Studies (Effective: 5th Feb 2014) Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences
Depositing User:	Dr Mohamed Ashath
Date Deposited:	16 Mar 2026 11:30
Last Modified:	16 Mar 2026 11:30
Queue Number:	2026-03-Q2580
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/127963

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