Discussion on the Maqāṣid al-Qur’ān: Classical and Contemporary Intellectual Response

Abstract

The purpose of the Quran in life is as a basic concept in the preservation of maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah (Objectives of Divine Law). Scholars have concluded that maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah is one of the main reasons for the revelation of the Quran to actualize the welfare for all Muslims. As leaders of this world, mankind needs to be cleansed, so they can stand strong to serve the community by putting religion, race and skin color aside. Furthermore, this study will evaluate the discussion of maqāṣid al-Qur’ān (the objectives of Quran) that has been formulated from the viewpoint of Islamic scholars, both classic and contemporary. Using the documentation research method, this article concludes that the maqāṣid al-Qur’ān is an order in submitting ourselves to the Oneness of Allah, which is the main belief. All the objectives will focus on aqīdah (creed), laws, and tales of the Quran. In addition, some of the efforts that can be made to cultivate the Quran in life through an understanding maqāṣid al-Qur’ān include reading, memorizing, understanding, and practicing its teachings. Thus, the Quran was revealed to ensure the well-being of people, whether in this world or the Hereafter.   ABSTRAK  Tujuan al-Quran diturunkan adalah sebagai asas kepada penjagaan maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah. Ulama merumuskan bahawa maqāṣid al-Qur’ān merupakan matlamat-matlamat penurunan al-Quran bagi mengaktualisasi segala kebajikan umat Islam. Sebagai pentadbir alam, manusia perlu dimurnikan agar terus cekal berbakti kepada komuniti masyarakat tanpa mengira agama, bangsa, ataupun warna kulit. Oleh itu, kertas ini menilai tentang perbincangan maqāṣid al-Qur’ān yang diformulasikan daripada pandangan sarjana Islam klasik mahupun kontemporari. Menerusi metode kajian dokumentasi, kertas ini mendapati maqāṣid al-Qur’ān bermaksud arahan supaya beriktikad dengan keesaan Allah SWT yang merupakan kepercayaan yang paling utama. Segala objektifnya tertumpu kepada menerangkan akidah, hukum-hakam, dan kisah-kisah. Selain itu, antara usaha yang dapat dilakukan untuk membudayakan al-Quran dalam kehidupan menerusi pemahaman maqāṣid al-Qur’ān ialah dengan membaca, menghafal, memahami, dan mengamalkan ajaran yang dikandunginya. Dengan begitu, tujuan al-Quran diturunkan adalah untuk memastikan kesejahteraan hamba sama ada di dunia mahupun di akhirat kelak.