Abstract
Concept of maqasid al-shariah (purposes of Shariah) is being re-interpreted in order to confront modern challenges and questions. This research analyses how the predominant segment of maqasid al-shariah, Protection of Religion, has been interpreted by modern scholars in a conflicting terminology as ‘freedom of belief’ and how they discuss the misapprehended texts which relate to the topic. Research focuses on applying the modern concept of freedom of belief which is one of the universal values, into Muslim majority countries as well as Sri Lanka where Muslims are a minority. A Special consideration has been specified on freedom of belief in Sri Lanka’s constitution and its implementation. Qualitative data, mostly secondary data, has been used in this study. Data were collected from literary books, journal articles and internet sources. This research finds out that Sri Lanka in particular, a number of Muslim minority countries in general are healthier than several Muslim majority countries, especially Middle East countries, in practicing freedom of belief.
Highlights
Maqasid al-shariah is a philosophy and it was implemented by the last messenger and his companions
Freedom of belief and apostasy are two controversial terms which have made for heated debate among modern Muslim scholars
A number of them re-interpret the texts related to apostasy in a different way to classical scholars and they come to some conclusions. They argue that Islam considers freedom of belief as one of the universal values and it provides freedom of belief to all human beings
Summary
Maqasid al-shariah is a philosophy and it was implemented by the last messenger and his companions. Ibn al-Ashur was considered to be the first modern scholar to reopen the door for maqasid concept, who understood the significance of the maqasid in general and significance of al-Shathibi’s tremendous and dynamic role in this subject in particular. He started to teach it in universities and academic forums. He was able to renew the maqasid thought in order to find solutions for modern problems and challenges He included values such as equality and freedom in maqasid al-shariah (Raisuni, 2013). Maqasid al-shariah is applied in other fields like economic, health, environment and social development (Deuraseh, 2012)
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