From the Objectives of Sharia to the System of Objectives

Author: Prof. Dr. Ali Muhyiddin Al-Qaradaghi

This book posits that the greatest flaw affecting Muslims is the flaw in the balance that Allah Almighty revealed with the Quran, a flaw in methodology, thought, and perceptions, which consequently led to the greatest flaw in understanding Allah Almighty's objectives in creating humanity and the universe. Allah Almighty clarified that His objective in creating our father Adam, peace be upon him, is not limited to "glorification and sanctification" – rather, it is complemented by other creeds that complete this objective; namely: "vicegerency and civilization," in compliance with His saying: ﴿IT IS HE WHO HAS PRODUCED YOU FROM THE EARTH AND SETTLED YOU THEREIN﴾ [Hud: 61]. Most people suffer from a serious flaw in the required care for these two scales, through which the happiness of both worlds is achieved. A flaw in worshipping Allah leads to transgression, and a flaw in civilization results in backwardness. Both are essential to achieve Allah Almighty's objective in creating humanity. The researcher discovered that most studies on "objectives" rely on the "objectives of Sharia," which fall within the scope of the "first scale," i.e., worship in its specific meaning. Therefore, the elevation of these objectives – from their perspective – is directed towards the scope of the "comprehensive system of objectives, encompassing Allah Almighty's objectives: in creating humanity, the universe, the objectives of Sharia, and the objectives of the accountable individuals." This comprehensive study attempted to encompass "all" that relates to the two scales of balance: the scale of sanctification and worship, and the scale of civilization and advancement. It also included the two scales of Allah Almighty's objectives and the objectives of the accountable individuals. Furthermore, it clarified that the balance of objectives has two other scales: the scale of society and the scale of the state. Thus, the study appeared in a comprehensive, beautiful, and elegant form, further enhanced by linking this system to ijtihad (independent reasoning), fatwa (religious edict), economics, development, endowments, environment, governance, and the like.