The Radical Middle Way in partnership with Ash-Shifa Trust, Oxford Brookes University Islamic Society, Oxford Central Mosque and Islamic Circles (Froud Centre) are pleased to present

What good is the Shariah?
with Shaykh Walead Mohammed (USA/UAE)

Tuesday 11th July 2006
Venue: The Froud Centre, Romford Road, Manor Park, London E12 5JF
Time: 7pm - 9pm
For more information please call 07092 032 136 or e-mail: info@islamiccircles.org

Sunday, 16th July 2006
Venue: Oxford Central Mosque, Manzil Way, Oxford, OX4 1DJ.
Time: 3-5 pm
For more information please call 07709 178117

Admission is free. All are welcome. 

As a theme of the Sharah in its own right, Maqasid al-Shari`ah, or the goals and objectives of Islamic law did not receive much attention in the early stages of the development of Islamic legal thought and, as such, they represent rather a later addition to the jurisprudence .

However prevailing socio-political climate of Muslims both in Muslim and Non-Muslim lands and increasing calls for ijtihad, the maqasid both as a concept and spirit have become the focus of attention as it tends to provide a ready and convenient access to the Shariah. It is naturally meaningful to understand the broad outlines of the objectives of the Shariah in the first place before one tries to move on to the specifics. An adequate knowledge of the maqasid thus equips the student of the Shariah with insight and provides him with a theoretical framework in which the attempt to acquire detailed knowledge of its various doctrines can become more interesting and meaningful.

• What are the Maqasids?

• Living in the West, can they be applicable to us?

• Do we need 'Shariah' courts?

• How will Islamic Jurisprudence meet the major challenges of the 21st Century i.e. such as climate change, fiqh for minorities, Islamic finance, ethical issues in medical discoveries and so on.