Sadd al-Dharāʾiʿ and Its Role in Achieving the Maqasid of Preserving Life: An Applied Fiqhi Study Based on Maliki Fatāwā
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31436/ijfus.v10i1.394Abstract
This study explores the role of the legal maxim Sadd al-Dharāʾiʿ (blocking the means) in fulfilling the objective of preserving life, which constitutes one of the fundamental purposes of Islamic law. By examining outcomes and consequences, the research analyzes selected Mālikī fatāwā, given that the Mālikī school is among the most prominent in applying this maxim and considers its relevance to contemporary legal issues. The study adopts the inductive method in surveying jurisprudential sources and the analytical method to clarify the contribution of Sadd al-Dharāʾiʿ to safeguarding life and its applicability in modern contexts. The findings demonstrate that this maxim plays a significant role in protecting life, as reflected in four categories within Mālikī fatāwā: (1) means that directly lead to harm; (2) permissible actions used with harmful intent; (3) permissible actions that unintentionally result in greater harm; and (4) means that lead to public benefit and support the higher objectives of the Sharīʿah. The study concludes by recommending enhanced scholarly attention to Mālikī fatāwā grounded in Sadd al-Dharāʾiʿ, due to their important contribution to upholding the maqāṣid of Islamic law, particularly the preservation of life.
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