Nuqtah Journal of Theological Studies

Revisiting the Objectives of Sharīʿah: A Modern Typology of Maqāṣid

Humaira Jahangir, Dr. Shahzadi Pakeeza — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The doctrine of maqāṣid al-sharīʿah-higher objectives of Islamic law has been traditionally well-defined
and interpreted in light of classical categorisations made by jurists such as al-Shatibi and al-Ghazali.
Yet, today’s problems in economic and political policies along with technology call for a revisiting and
updating of these systems. This article re-imagines the goals of sharīʿah by suggesting a contemporary
typology that translates older classifications into modern language to include issues of environmental
care, human rights, public health and global justice. The study underlines the potential of new categories
of maqāṣid to guide legal reasoning and policymaking in the 21st century, evaluates their practical
importance, and draws on both classical uṣūl literature and contemporary scholarly discourse. This
typology offers a methodical framework for using sharīʿah principles in tackling current ethical, social,
and legal issues by integrating tradition and modernity.

Missionary Institutions in Pakistan: Historical Evolution, Educational Contributions, Religious Roles, and Socio-Cultural Impact

Dr Asma Aziz, Ms Samaika Khalid, Ms Kanza Arooj — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Missionary institutions have played a pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s educational, social, and moral landscape. Originating during the British colonial era, these institutions introduced structured curricula, English-medium instruction, vocational training, and holistic education approaches that served diverse communities. Their contributions extend beyond formal education to include social welfare initiatives such as healthcare, literacy programs, women’s empowerment, and community development. Missionary schools and colleges also promoted ethical and moral values while respecting local cultural contexts, reflecting an intersection of education and religious influence. This article provides an academically grounded analysis of the historical evolution of missionary institutions in the subcontinent and Pakistan, profiles major institutions, and evaluates their educational, social, and religious impact. The study further explores the merits and demerits of these institutions and proposes strategic recommendations to enhance their positive contributions in contemporary Pakistan. Drawing on historical records, institutional data, and scholarly sources, this research highlights the enduring legacy of missionary institutions and their potential to foster human and social development.

مفقود الخبر :معاصر علماء و فقہی اداروں کی آراء کا تنقیدی مطالعہ

Muhammad Muaz Sarwar, Dr Yasir Arfat — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The institution of marriage in Islamic law is not just a legal contract but a social and moral relationship based on companionship and mutual support, and sustained by the rights and obligations of the spouses. Such companionship assures emotional stability, social harmony, and economic support. However, complex legal issues arise when a husband becomes Mafqūd al-khabar (a missing person whose status and whereabouts remain unknown for an extended period). In a scenario where a husband is declared Mafqūd al-khabar, serious social, financial, and psychological problems may befall the wife as the marital bond remains in limbo and the wife is neither able to remarry nor enjoy her marital rights to the fullest. This study takes a look at Mafqūd al-khabar in the Islamic jurisprudence by first examining its linguistic and technical meanings before evaluating classical juristic debates on the legal status of the missing husband and the rights of his wife. It also considers the juristic opinion among jurists of differing schools of Islamic law with regard to the dissolution of marriage in such cases. The study also looks at the position of contemporary scholars and the modern fiqh institutions and their attempts to deal with this issue in relation to the present social realities. The study concludes by critically assessing these viewpoints and identifying practical juristic approaches that may help resolve cases involving missing spouses while remaining consistent with the principles of Islamic jurisprudence.

متن کی تعبیر نو کا تصور: اسلامی ہرمینیاتی رجحانات کا مقاصد الشریعہ کی روشنی میں تجزیاتی مطالعہ

Prof Dr Muhammad Tahir Mustafa, Dr Ihsan ur Rahman Ghauri — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The concept of textual reinterpretation, or hermeneutical reconstruction, in Islamic hermeneutics addresses the reevaluation of sacred texts such as the Quran and Sunnah in response to modern historical, social, and cultural shifts. Emerging from 20th-century Islamic revival movements, it grapples with challenges like globalization and contemporary issues including democracy, women's rights, and bioethics. This paper examines three hermeneutical trends—text-centric (rooted in classical traditions), reader-centric (influenced by postmodernism, e.g., Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd), and moderate (e.g., Fazlur Rahman's Double Movement Theory)—through the framework of Maqasid al-Shariah. It critiques reader-centric relativism for undermining core objectives like preserving faith and intellect, while advocating a balanced, objectives-centered approach that upholds textual authority, respects consensus, and enables adaptive ijtihad to harmonize eternal guidance with modern demands in Muslim societies.

صفاتِ نبی ﷺ اور سیرت نگاری کا کلامی اسلوب: سید جعفر مرتضیٰ عاملی کی کتاب "الصحیح من سیرت النبی الاعظم" کا انتقادی جائزہ

Muhammad Tahir Arshad, Dr. Humayun Abbas — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This article examines the attributes of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) within the framework of Sīrah literature, with particular focus on the theological (kalāmī) methodology employed in its interpretation and presentation. It offers a critical study of the works of Sayyid Ja‘far Murtadā al-‘Āmilī, especially his renowned contribution al-Ṣaḥīḥ min Sīrat al-Nabī al-A‘ẓam, in which he seeks to reconstruct the Prophetic biography through a rigorous analytical and doctrinal lens.

The study explores how theological presuppositions influence the selection, authentication, and interpretation of Sīrah narrations, particularly in relation to the attributes and infallibility (‘iṣmah) of the Prophet (ﷺ). It highlights the ways in which al-‘Āmilī critiques earlier historical reports, reassesses their reliability, and presents an alternative reading shaped by specific theological commitments. The paper further evaluates the strengths and limitations of this approach, considering its impact on the broader discipline of Sīrah studies.

By employing a comparative and analytical method, the article aims to shed light on the intersection between theology and historiography in Islamic scholarship. It argues that while a kalāmī approach can contribute to a more coherent and doctrinally consistent understanding of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) life and attributes, it may also raise questions regarding methodological objectivity and historical inclusivity.

The study ultimately seeks to contribute to contemporary discussions on Sīrah methodology by emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that integrates both critical historical analysis and sound theological principles.

مجدد الف ثانیؒ کی اصلاحی فکر کےتحفظ و فروغ میں ڈیرہ غازی خان کے صوفیاء نقشبند کا کردار

Manzoor Hussain, Dr Manzoor Ahmad — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This article examines the contribution of Naqshbandi Sufis in Dera Ghazi Khan. It explores how they preserved the reformist ideology of Mujaddid Alf Sani. The study highlights the efforts of prominent Sufi figures in this region. These spiritual leaders focused on self-purification and moral training. They taught that true Sufism must align with the Shariah.

The author discusses their method of reform. These Sufis advised people to avoid sins and follow the Sunnah. They worked hard to eliminate un-Islamic customs and superstitions from the society. The paper also outlines their emphasis on social duties. They highlighted the importance of education and the rights of relatives. The study concludes that their struggle brought a positive change. Their teachings continue to influence the spiritual and social life of the people in Dera Ghazi Khan.