RESEARCH
The tradition of Islamic scholarship is renowned for its extensive history of research and knowledge production. As the Qur’an emphasizes the importance of reading, contemplation, and comprehension, and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized that “seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim,” research holds great significance in the field of Islamic studies. By critically analyzing the Revelation and historical texts, examining contemporary issues through an Islamic perspective, and adopting the Maqasid Methodology, research contributes to a deeper understanding of Islam’s comprehensive nature. This pursuit not only promotes intellectual and social progress, advancing human civilization, but also enables researchers to embark on a personal journey of discovery, enhancing their own understanding of the faith and its profound impact on the world.
Following the vision of “Valuing Divine Guidance in Human Affairs” Maqasid Institute promotes research and scholarly forums under four broad categories:
Usuli Studies
Usuli (Foundational/Fundamental) Studies are the methodological and theoretical backbone of all research domains, namely, disciplinary, phenomena and Strategic Studies. In usuli studies, we aim to refocus the Revelation in foundational and fundamental theories. We build on the historical contributions to the science of usul al-fiqh (principles of Islamic jurisprudence) to reach our primary objective which is the reconstruction of traditional Islamic methodologies in a way that provides a foundational (Usuli) basis for the contemporary challenges.
Disciplinary Studies
The goal of Disciplinary Studies as a branch of disciplines is to reorient modern academia and professional specializations according to the Islamic worldview. These fields of knowledge shape professional careers in scholarship, education and the labor market more generally, and a reorientation of disciplines involves filtering out un-Islamic elements from their fundamental theories, practical implications and institutional manifestations. “Un-Islamic” here is judged by being in contradiction with the concepts, objectives, values, commands, universal laws, groups and proofs.
Phenomena Studies
In Phenomena Studies, we aim to create a whole new field of Islamic studies that focuses on examining phenomena both as they are revealed in the Quran and Sunnah and as they manifest in reality. The Revelation guides us to consider issues holistically, and not to fragment reality in ways that negatively impact the connectivity and intra-dependence among all creations that support their collective flourishing.
Strategic Studies
In Strategic Studies, we aim to support the development of thought and action that steers us toward a better future. Our strategic goal is to propose collective, complex, and multi-faceted interventions that manifest a truthful understanding of the Sunan (universal laws) that ought to guide organizations, communities, and the affairs of our Ummah.
MI Research Channels
The Maqasid oriented research is conducted by seasoned and junior scholars who deliver their results via the following channels:
The Journal of Contemporary Maqasid Studies (JCMS) is a peer-reviewed academic periodical that is overseen by its Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Jamila Tilout, and her deputy, Dr. Mowloud Mohadi, as well as the Managing Editor, Dr. Zaid Barzinji. This publication releases articles in both Arabic and English twice a year, in January and July. JCMS concentrates on disseminating knowledge about the Maqasid of the Revelation (the Qur’an and the Sunnah), and adheres to the highest standards of international publishing and peer-reviewing. The Journal aims to advance maqasid-based research and provide solutions, as well as to establish a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue.
Our commitment to research became more pronounced through the monthly Research Forums. Scholars from Australia, Mauritius, Indonesia, the UK, Switzerland, Jordan, Turkiye and Malaysia presented their advanced research, showcasing diverse applications of the Maqasidi approach in fields ranging from Islamic studies to sociology, psychology, environmental studies, history and economics. These forums serve as fertile ground for scholarly exchange and intellectual exploration, pushing the boundaries of Maqasid-inspired knowledge production. For the recorded Research Forum videos, please, visit our YouTube page.
Research Groups & Projects
Apart from the Journal and Research Forums, the Institute has established various specialized research groups that concentrate on Islamic psychology, economics, and augmented human intelligence. Additionally, the Institute boasts several prominent, ongoing international projects. Some of these include: the MI Study of the Qur’an Project (MISQ), Re-envisioning Hadith studies, and Women Empowerment.
Islamic Psychology Research Network (IPRN)
The Islamic Psychology Research Network (IPRN) is a group established to provide a reconstruction of psychology research from an Islamic and Maqasid perspective. The IPRN aims to generate knowledge based on the revelation, utilizing a comprehensive revelation-centric and objectives-based methodology. The IPRN endeavors to reconcile researchers with the heritage and contributions of past Muslim scholars, such as Imam al-Ghazali and Ibn Miskawayh, while maintaining a forward-looking approach that examines the Qur’an and Sunnah with fresh eyes, a psychological lens, and an understanding of contemporary realities.
Islamic Economics and Finance
The IEF Research Group has been established to explore significant topics from a transdisciplinary viewpoint, investigating and researching economic phenomena using the holistic Maqasidi perspective. The group conducts regular online discussions, submits papers for conference presentations, and has introduced the course “Re-imagining Economics and Finance,” which commenced in March 2024. The Institute invites individuals and organizations who are interested in learning about economic phenomena from an objectives-based perspective or wish to expand their interdisciplinary economic research ideas to a broader audience to join MI’s Economics and Finance group.
Augmented Human Intelligence
MI has established a strategic direction towards the study of phenomena, with a focus on AI from a Maqasidi perspective. The AI phenomenon captivates millions worldwide, while simultaneously eliciting mixed feelings. Its progression, infiltration, and application will persist for generations, impacting virtually every facet of existence. As the Creator and Sustainer, Allah educates the Muslim ummah through the prophet and revelation, aiming to cultivate a harmonious society that nurtures the Earth and serves as a testament to humanity. Therefore, the Muslim ummah ought to embrace and advocate technologies, methods, tools, education, and policies that foster peace and counterbalance disruptive forces that threaten equilibrium and harmony. In light of these considerations, MI has identified AI as a vital area for research and action.
MI Study of the Qur’an Project (MISQ)
Launched in 2020, the MISQ Project aims to create a comprehensive Maqasid-based tafsir of the Qur’an. Planned as an eight-volume work, four volumes are already complete, with the entire project expected to be finished by 2027.
The MISQ Project emphasizes purposefulness, interconnectedness, and holism, addressing issues of imitation and fragmentation in modern Qur’anic scholarship. It highlights the Qur’an’s inherent logic and connection to the universe, rooting knowledge in the Maqasid framework and the centrality of Qur’anic Arabic.
The project utilizes various formats for dissemination, including print, audio, video, and an e-learning platform. Social media and other media tools offer accessible content and encourage discussion across academic disciplines.
In 2023, the project completed volumes 3 and 4, expanded its reach through collaborations with the Muslim Association of Canada and the Islamic Institute of Toronto, and delivered lectures on the Maqasid methodology at prominent universities.
As we work towards completion in 2027, the MISQ Project remains committed to enriching Islamic thought, challenging the status quo, and providing a holistic interpretation of the Qur’an for the benefit of humanity and the Ummah.
Re-envisioning Hadith Studies
Re-envisioning hadith study group
Women Empowerment Project
In 2023, the Maqasid Institute made significant strides in empowering women globally through Maqasid-based knowledge. Our journey began with the establishment of the Centre for Women and Policy Alternatives (CWPA) and a strategic focus on education. Highlights included a workshop by Dr. Basma Abdelgafar in Ireland, empowering young girls to understand their identity through Quranic women, and her insightful talk at Shahid Beheshti University on Muhammad Abdullah Draz’s study of morality in the Qur’an.
A significant milestone was the addition of Dr. Sanja Bilic in February 2023. Her expertise in policy and leadership shaped CWPA’s vision, addressing critical issues faced by Muslim women globally. Dr. Bilic’s extensive work in consultations, assessments, and proposal development laid a solid foundation for this initiative.
Our participation in international forums, including a consultation on the protection of women in forced displacement, and meetings with women’s initiatives in Doha, further underscored our commitment to empowering Muslim women worldwide.
For more information on our active research groups please contact us
The Maqasid Research Network (MRN) is a global gathering of researchers, scholars, and practitioners dedicated to mainstreaming and expanding Maqasid Studies in various fields. At the Maqasid Institute (MI), we believe that connection and collaboration are crucial for effecting change through Maqasid-based thought and action.
MI offers robust research channels, including the Journal of Contemporary Maqasid Studies, Research Forums, and Research Groups & Projects such as the Islamic Psychology Research Network, Reimagining Islamic Economics and Finance, Augmented Human Intelligence, the MI Study of the Qur’an Project (MISQ), the Women Empowerment Project, and Re-envisioning Hadith Studies. These channels provide resources and an environment conducive to learning and collaboration.
We invite scholars, both early career and seasoned researchers, to contribute to our initiatives and join various groups of interest. By connecting members and offering specialized hubs for communication, research dissemination, and publication, MRN synergizes scholarly efforts globally.
If you or your organization is interested in promoting Maqasid-based thinking and solutions, please join us by filling out the form below. We look forward to welcoming you to our MRN family.