The Relationship Between Functional Explanation and Explanation Based on Benefits and Harms in Islamic Jurisprudence

Document Type : The Quarterly Jornal

Authors

1 Professor, Advanced Levels of the Islamic Seminary and Ph.D. in Philosophy of Social Sciences (Corresponding Author).

2 Associate Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Baqir al-Olum University.

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Baqir al-Olum University.

4 Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy of Law, Faculty of Social Sciences, Baqir al-Olum University.

Abstract

Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), as one of the key religious sciences, holds significant potential for shaping religious sciences, particularly in its capacity to explain social phenomena, thereby positioning itself as a social science. It seems that the jurisprudential focus on masalih (benefits) and mafasid (harms), along with its attention to the consequences of rulings, enables a unique form of explanation within fiqh. However, a key question arises: What is the relationship between a fiqh-based explanation grounded in benefits and harms and Functional explanation? This study, employing a descriptive approach and analyzing data from both fiqh and social sciences, argues that reconciling these two explanatory models is not feasible. The differences are substantial, both in foundational principles and practical application. Functional approaches, rooted in positivist philosophy, exclude fiqh from the scope of science due to its reliance on revelation as a source of knowledge. Moreover, while fiqh embodies a critical and progressive nature, functionalist theories tend to adopt a conservative perspective toward society. Therefore, despite superficial similarities, the divergence between these two types of explanation is profound.

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References

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Journal of Islam and Social Studies
Volume 12, Issue 47 - Serial Number 47
ExecutiveExpert
March 2025
Pages 7-36

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History

  • Receive Date: 06 June 2024
  • Revise Date: 13 June 2024
  • Accept Date: 04 January 2025

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