The objectives of Islamic law in modern Morocco

The Objectives of Sharia in Modern Morocco Author: Ismail Al-Hassani Subject: Principles of Jurisprudence Type of binding: Hardcover Type of paper: Shamua Number of pages: 329 Year of printing: 2010 Year of publication: 2010 Dr. Ismail Al-Hassani aimed in this book to activate the theory of objectives within new frameworks through branches of jurisprudence and practical details known to Moroccan society. The book is an attempt at activation, application, and expanding their scope. The researcher also conducted a review of various contemporary issues faced by Morocco, attempting to analyze and reconstruct them in light of Sharia objectives. The book: The Objectives of Sharia and Ijtihad in Modern Morocco Author: Dr. Ismail Al-Hassani Published by: Center for Studies and Research and Revival of Heritage at the Rabita Al-Mohammedia for Scholars - Rabat, Series of Studies and Research (3), first edition: 1431 AH / 2010 AD, in a medium-sized volume consisting of 334 pages. Summary of the book: Dr. Ismail Al-Hassani sought in this book to activate the theory of objectives within new frameworks through branches of jurisprudence and practical details known to Moroccan society. The observer of the intellectual and scientific arena in our contemporary world notices the increasing interest of researchers in the topic of Sharia objectives, where they have sought to find a place for it within the general jurisprudential system, both in principles and branches. Scholars have differed regarding the position and function of the research on objectives in its new appearance. Some consider it the foundational principle of jurisprudence, due to its influence on the arrangement of sources, its rulings on inference, and its intervention in the process of implementing rulings as premises and results. Others see it as a science of Islamic ethics, almost synonymous with the values of Sharia. Still, some regard it as a methodological science that regulates the Islamic mind in theory and practice. All these efforts are commendable as they represent a mental awakening fighting stagnation, and an active renaissance aiming for the presence of Islam in all spaces. There is probably no topic whose importance and significance have been agreed upon among most scholars of jurisprudence, past and present, like the topic of objectives. It was famously introduced by the Andalusian jurist in his renowned book "Al-Muwafaqat," revived recently by the Moroccan scholar Al-Allal Al-Fasi in "Objectives of Sharia and Its Virtues," and by the Tunisian scholar Muhammad Taha al-Haddad in "Objectives of Islamic Sharia." Many university theses in faculties of Sharia and Arts across various Islamic universities, especially Moroccan universities, revolve around this topic. Amidst the enthusiasm for objectives — as is our custom with everything new — many did not focus enough on activating it and attempting to implement its rules practically. Instead, it remained a theoretical discussion in books and volumes. Hence, the importance of the book "Objectives of Sharia and Ijtihad in Modern Morocco" by Professor Ismail Al-Hassani, which we are proud to present as part of the publications of the Center for Studies and Research and Revival of Heritage at the Rabita Al-Mohammedia for Scholars. It is needless to say that understanding the objectives of Sharia and reaching effective jurisprudential ijtihad cannot be achieved without possessing the tools of understanding and mechanisms of inference. This requires further intellectual and methodological effort in both research and training. On the other hand, the intellectual and civilizational circumstances Morocco has gone through inspired Dr. Al-Hassani to review various issues faced by modern Morocco, attempting to analyze and reconstruct them in light of Sharia objectives. Especially considering that ijtihad in modern Morocco — characterized by its strong jurisprudential content and the particular external and internal factors shaping its intellectual framework — remains a largely untapped heritage and a rich material that invites exploration and study. Most of it is buried in manuscripts, notes, scattered papers, correspondence among brothers, and stone-printed editions. It is worth noting that the author of this book made a commendable effort to define the scope of ijtihad within the modern Moroccan jurisprudential system and to highlight the close relationship between objectives and the methods of Moroccan jurists of both the modern and classical periods. This confirms the originality and deep roots of the science of objectives among Moroccan scholars both historically and today. Undoubtedly, the author exerted great effort to access many sources and references without which this research could not have been conducted. He made good use of them, relying on his ability to employ both traditional and modern research methodologies.