The Application of Maqasid Al-Shari’ah in the Foreign Policy of Islamic States

Abstract

Religion is crucial in the foreign policy formulation of Islamic states. Islamic law can play an important role in foreign policy formulation as Maqasid Al-Shariah (Objectives of Islamic Law) are universal. Maqasid Al-Shariah is divided into three categories: general Maqasid, specific Maqasid, and partial Maqasid. Despite this universality, there is an inadequate explanation of the application of Maqasid Al-Shariah in foreign policy. Therefore, this study aims to explore the application of Maqasid Al-Shariah in the foreign policy of Islamic states. The study employed a qualitative approach in which document analysis was used to gather information from the United Nations Human Rights report of 2015. The study found that Maqasid Al-Shariah can play a significant role in the foreign policy of Islamic states through the protection of people’s life, property, health, religion, and dignity. Further analysis revealed that Maqasid Al-Shariah can be successfully incorporated in the foreign policy-making process of Islamic states, particularly where international treaties neglect or contradict the principles of Islamic law. Hence, Maqasid Al-Shariah should be fully implemented in the foreign policy process of governments of Islamic countries at both the national and international levels.