The Higher Objectives of Islamic Theology: Toward a Theory of Maqasid al-Aqida

In the Islamic tradition, fiqh (Islamic law) is generally regarded as the science of furū'al-d=in (matters complementary to the Islamic faith), as opposed to kal=am (Islamic theology) which is known as the science of u.sūl al-d=in (matters primary to the Islamic faith). Over time, however, fiqh has significantly surpassed Kal=am in terms of cognitive maturation and epistemic development. In The Higher Objectives of Islamic Theology, Mohammed Gamal Abdelnour argues that far too little attention has been paid to parallel developments in Islamic theology. Consequently, the theological project in the Islamic tradition has largely become limited to definitions and deliberations about the nature and qualities of the transcendent God, and has barely developed as a systematic discipline devoted to the higher objectives of Islamic theology, similar to those of Maq=a.sid al-Shar=i?a (higher objectives of Islamic law).

Addressing this gap and drawing on the full-fledged genre of Maq=a.sid al-Shar=i?a, this study aims to develop a genre of Maq=a.sid al-?Aq=ida (higher objectives of Islamic theology) based on a scheme of core values (Truth, Justice, Beauty), instead of a scheme of .hudūd (penalties). Arguing that the tradition's current overemphasis on law (Justice) has relegated both theology (Truth) and Sufism (Beauty) to the periphery of the tradition, Abdelnour illustrates how this marginalisation of theology and Sufism leaves less room for an "ethical Islam" and instead prioritises "legal" and "political Islam." In shifting the focus from law to theology, the book thereby grapples with such questions as: why did Islamic theology fail to develop a systemic genre of Maq=a.sid al-?Aq=ida? How do we chart out a map to guide the process of founding such an area? In what ways can the emerging Maq=a.sid al-?Aq=ida benefit from the well-established Maq=a.sid al-Shar=i?a? What are the ramifications of having an underdeveloped theology?