The Application of Maqāṣid in Islamic Studies Postmodern Curriculum Development

• Main Author: Bin Jamil, Khairil Husaini
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: BPL Islamic education; KBP174 Observances and practice of Islam
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/104970/1/The%20Application%20of%20Maq%C4%81%E1%B9%A3id%20in%20Islamic%20Studies%20Postmodern%20Curriculum%20Development.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/104970/2/Evidence%201-L%20IIIT%20SRP%202020%20Symposium%202022.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/104970/

This is a preliminary study of the curriculum development for Islamic Studies, with the maqāṣid paradigm serving as its driving force and framework. Frequently, the term maqāṣid is interpreted as referring to the technical imperatives of the legal aspect of sharīʿah. This is not surprising given that the discourse of maqāṣid is usually intimated by the scholars of fiqh and uṣūl al-fiqh. On the other hand, some have attached a negative connotation to the term, implying the relaxation of laws and religious regulations. With the development of discussion pertinent to the field of maqāṣid, various approaches have been observed, such as the classification of research in the field into theoretical research and applied research. This study delves into a more difficult topic: does maqāṣid play any role in the design of Islamic studies, or is Islamic studies the designer of the maqāṣid framework? In the context of this investigation, “Islamic Studies” refers to the study of the Islamic scriptures and the sciences that are directly involved in the preservation, interpretation, and application of the scriptures and the relevant religious texts. Obviously, the terminology and connotations of this term are appropriately considered in this study. The term postmodern is chosen solely for conversational convenience, although there are pertinent issues that have an impact in the understanding of Islamic epistemology. For instance, the problem of liquefaction of authority and institution as well as the democratisation and publication of knowledge. They could not be thoroughly covered in this research. Although the term curriculum development may raise some concerns about the adequacy of the space and time allotted by this research to treat such a vast and intricate subject, the main goal of this research is to lay the maqasidic foundation for the exercise. In the traditional tone, a much simpler question of this research would be: can there be a maqāṣid-based programme to produce the future ʿulamāʾ of the Revelation? By reviewing relevant literatures on maqāṣid, Islamic Studies, and curriculum development, this study seeks an operational framework that could provide an answer. The ultimate objective is to produce a blueprint for the application of maqāṣid in the development of Islamic Studies curricula.