The Capacities of Jaʽfari Jurisprudence against Secularism

Abstract

Secularism and religion represent two contrasting concepts that engage in discussions about the influence of faith in societal governance. Secularism signifies the detachment of religious beliefs from political frameworks, whereas Fiqh serves as a branch of religious studies focused on interpreting and applying Islamic laws according to varying temporal and contextual factors to foster democratic principles while upholding religious values. Islam advocates for belief in a singular God along with adherence to His doctrines; its core tenets include Tawhid (the oneness of God), Prophethood, the Quran, Akhirah (the Day of Judgment), and Sharia law. Fiqh facilitates comprehension and derivation of Islamic legal principles while analyzing religious laws across diverse social, political, and cultural dimensions pertinent to Muslim life. This discipline draws upon four primary sources: the Quran, Sunnah (traditions), consensus among scholars, and rational thought. Islamic jurists harness these scholarly resources to meet societal legal needs effectively. This study utilizes library-based research along with a descriptive-analytical approach to explore how Fiqh can effectively engage with secularism. Findings suggest that Fiqh is adept at aligning legal rulings with actual circumstances by extracting relevant directives from Islamic texts while offering sound reasoning for addressing legal challenges; thus, it provides constructive solutions for societal issues without opposing secularism or hindering democratic progress.