The Andalusian Maliki jurist who systematized the "higher objectives of the law" (maqasid al-sharia) — a framework of enduring influence in Islamic legal thought.
Life
Al-Shatibi (d. 1388) of Granada, in his al-Muwafaqat, developed the theory of maqasid al-sharia: that Islamic law aims to preserve religion, life, intellect, lineage, and property, and that rulings should be read in light of these purposes. His purposive approach, little heeded in his own time, became enormously influential among modern reformers seeking to renew Islamic law, making him a touchstone of contemporary legal debate.