Arabic (مقاصد الشريعة) for the higher purposes of Islamic shari’ah or simply for objectives of shari’ah. Maqasid al-shari’ah constitute the purposes of Islamic shari’ah formulated and viewed in a comprehensive manner that goes beyond narrow interests of individuals or entities into much broader and overarching interests (maslaha/ maslahah) that take into account the widest sphere of Islamic society and the Ummah at large.

In other words, maqasid involves seeking of benefit and repelling of harm to the best interest of the broader community (e.g., the Islamic financial system, the economy, economic development, etc.). Accordingly, maqasid aim to preserve the society and ensure its well-being and progress. Some fuqaha are of the opinion that whatever is complementary to these maqasid and can help achieve them is also part of them.

Maqasid al-shari’ah reflect a juristic concept that was established by later generations of fuqaha who attempted to formulate much broader considerations to develop and facilitate the process of addressing new cases/ incidents and sorting out existing rulings. The essential objectives of shari’ah are: purification of the soul, establishing justice and protection of interests of all society’s stakeholders.