Religious Freedom in Islamic Law:

A Review of Maqasid, Aqidah, Ibadah, and Muamalat

Muhammadong Muhammadong

Muwafiqus Shobri

Ma’adul Yaqien Makkarateng

 

Abstract: This article explores the significance of religious freedom within Islamic law, as emphasized by the Qur’an and Hadith. The Qur’an advocates for justice, mutual respect, and the right to choose one’s beliefs without coercion. The Hadith further supports religious freedom through the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad, who emphasized respect for other faiths and upheld the rights of non-Muslims. The practice of religious freedom in Islamic law encompasses every aspect of human behaviour including maqasid (objectives), aqidah (fundamental beliefs), ibadah (worship), and muamalat (social and economic transactions) to minimize deviations. The main argument in this article is that Islamic law prioritizes the principle of protection of benefit and prevention of harm in relation to religious freedom. It emphasizes the importance of preventing deviant practices and purifying religious beliefs to affirm Allah (God) as the sole object of worship. Islamic law has evolved based on Qur’an and Hadith to maintain the principle of religious freedom as a benefit, but promoting prevention of harm, purity of belief and piety, justice and fairness, and ethical conduct in all aspects of life. The overall aim of religious freedom in Islamic law is to bring the Muslims community together as one nation (ummah). Islamic law uses preventive methods to sanction those who deviate from these principles of religious freedom. The article concludes that all these elements of theory and practice of Islamic law command individual autonomy and fairness and justice in conduct, which is essential for realizing religious freedom in Islamic law.