Reconceptualizing Economic Problems in Islam through the Maqasid Syariah Approach

Abstract

Scarcity considered an economic problem has become a debate among Muslim economists. Some recognize the scarcity of resources as an economic problem, but
others deny it. Although studies have been conducted on economic issues from an
Islamic perspective, existing studies rarely use a maqasid sharia approach. Therefore, this research was conducted to analyze economic problems in Islam based on the maqasid sharia approach by understanding maqasidul kalam (purpose of expression) and maqasidul ahkam (purpose of law). This research uses a qualitative methodology with a content analysis approach. Data collection was carried out through document analysis and interviews. Document data consists of the Koran, Sunnah, books and articles related to economic issues. Meanwhile, interviews were conducted involving experts from the fields of economics and ushul fiqh. The collected data was then analyzed descriptively thematically. The results of the study show that the maqasid sharia approach recognizes the existence of economic problems which are not only in the form of scarcity of resources, but also ethical deviations by economic agents. Maqasid sharia is a vision for overcoming economic problems, both regarding resource scarcity and ethical deviations. Thus, this study recommends maqasid sharia as a vision in overcoming economic problems for the development of Islamic economic theory in the future.