OUR STORY

There is one core idea that motivated the establishment of Maqasid Institute: the unwavering belief that the Revelation – Quran and Sunnah – is the fundamental and indispensable source of guidance for the Muslim Ummah and humanity at large. Through education and experience, we came to see how knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah transforms individual lives and communities.

  Unfortunately, we live in a world where many people, even Muslims, are not familiar with these texts either through lack of knowledge, misunderstanding or willful negligence. Many who are familiar or are scholars of Islam, approach the study of the Quran and Sunnah from narrow disciplinary lenses that are not conducive to holistic understandings or reflective of the connectivity that binds all created matter in complex webs of interdependence. This has serious implications for human flourishing and the welfare of our planet.

We are determined to use our wealth and persons to undertake research, provide education and engage with communities to demonstrate the invaluable guidance available in Islam’s primary texts. Notably, we believe this: All creation is purposeful and humans have a duty to safeguard the pathways that enable living things to achieve their purposes for the wellbeing of all. 

Our challenge when we started was to articulate a methodology that would enable us to share our approach with interested parties and stakeholders. Maqasid scholarship has a long and rich history, so it was easy to begin our work through building on that legacy. At the same time, we needed to develop a robust methodology that would focalize the revelation in contemporary scholarship and practice.

We provide the knowledge and tools that enable scholars in different disciplines to reconstruct thought in their area of specialization via our maqasid methodology and that allows practitioners to enhance their understandings and services. In addition to offering support, our senior scholars and researchers apply the maqasid methodology to critical challenges and phenomena impacting our lives and the welfare of the planet. MI further facilitates the application of the maqasid methodology in personal and community life through the expertise of Maqasid Research Network (MRN) members.

  MI has invested significant resources in supporting the development of higher education programs that incorporate maqasid thinking. We offer lectures and seminars at various institutions around the world where the maqasid methodology forms the very fabric of educational programming, research and outcomes. MI branches routinely collaborate with local universities and institutes.

Witnessing the utilization of the maqasid methodology by researchers, students and practitioners to reflect on and address contemporary challenges is what gives us the greatest gratification. All Praise is due to Allah.

Jasser Auda                                                     Basma Abdelgafar                                                   Zaid Barzinji

OUR GOALS

Promote a Paradigm Shift Towards Connectivity and Holism

At the heart of MI’s project is a comprehensive maqasid research methodology that forms the foundation of a robust paradigm shift based on a holistic understanding of the revelation, i.e., Quran and Sunnah, and its connectivity with the world. Our Maqasid Methodology aims to reveal the purposefulness of all creations, their connectivity, and the role humans can play to realize a better world for all. The methodology places the revelation at the center of the whole enterprise of human knowledge. Its purpose is to renew contemporary Islamic scholarship and offer an integrative and comprehensive framework. The methodology uses a composite framework of seven elements: objectives, concepts, parties, universal laws, values, proofs and commands. They are complemented with a theoretical approach that enables the construction of multiple, overlapping networks which integrate research, education and organizational projects that aim to achieve any of the numerous objectives that the Creator intends for creation at all levels.

Strengthen our Global Research Network of Scholars and Practitioners

The global promotion of maqasid research and the application of ideas based on such thought requires support from individuals and organizations with diverse interests. Our Maqasid Research Network (MRN) is designed to generate a critical mass of theoretical and applied ideas that can accumulate and build on each other to generate breakthrough ideas. The network acts as an ecosystem providing a conducive environment and resources to collaborate, learn and produce high quality research. MRN has experienced strong growth since MI’s inception with over 250 senior researchers at the doctoral level with a total of about 1000 members who are granted access to special programs, courses, maqasid materials, experts and events that enhance their skills in research and/or teaching and lecturing at MI and beyond. Our network also includes offices located in strategic geographic locations around the world that conduct research, teach, train, and collaborate with local and regional organizations to promote maqasid thinking.

Cultivate Partnerships with Like-Minded Organizations

The global promotion of a maqasid research network and the application of ideas based on such thought requires support from maqasid focused research centers and partnering institutes and organizations. These centers are premier hubs of maqasid research activities, located in strategic geographic locations around the world fulfilling the following functions: a) conduct research, teach, train, collaborate with local and regional organizations, and provide consultation services, b) provide global perspectives and feedback to further promote and refine R&D throughout MI’s centers and offices, c) work with and support MI offices, representatives, affiliates, and partner organizations within their geographic sphere.

We believe that MI’s success ultimately depends on the tangible and beneficial impact of our methodology on research and practice for individuals and communities. The impact is magnified through the cultivation of close partnerships with specialized organizations working on the ground in various areas, like women’s leadership, development, public policy, media, education and training institutions, and relief and welfare agencies. We offer our partners: a) education and training activities that deepen understanding of maqasid principles and application, and b) support for the development of suitable organizational strategies that promote success while upholding the higher principles of the shariah. The partners’ application of maqasid based ideas will provide valuable feedback to continuously revise and improve maqasid-based research and thought. All partnerships aim to synergize efforts and promote efficiency, innovation and diversity of approaches under the umbrella of a shared methodology and framework.

MI ANNUAL REPORTS

2020

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2021

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