ISSN: 2226-6348
Open access
This study explores the application of Maqasid Shariah principles within Islamic religious institutions in Southern Thailand, particularly among the Muslim minority community. As a core framework for understanding the objectives of Islamic law, Maqasid Shariah encompasses the protection of religion, life, intellect, lineage, and property. Institutions such as mosques, traditional Islamic schools (pondok), and the Provincial Islamic Councils play a critical role in upholding these values within a complex and often challenging socio-religious environment. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data gathered through surveys distributed to institutional administrators with qualitative insights obtained through in-depth interviews with religious leaders and institutional officials. The findings indicate that the principles of Maqasid Shariah are being gradually integrated into areas such as education, welfare, and community development. However, implementation efforts continue to face obstacles, including limited resources, restrictive government policies, and operational constraints. The study proposes strategic improvements to strengthen the role of religious institutions in advancing the comprehensive objectives of Shariah, particularly in the context of Southern Thailand’s Muslim minority population.
Ahamad-abdul Hayeema. (2017). The administrative strategies of the Islamic Provincial Council in Southern Thailand for the next decade. Journal of Social Development, 23(1), 222.
Al-Ghazali. (1993). Al-Mustasfa min ‘Ilm al-Usul [The Essentials of Islamic Legal Theory]. Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah.
Al-Raysuni, A. (2005). Imam Al-Shatibi’s Theory of the Higher Objectives and Intents of Islamic Law. Herndon, VA: International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT).
Al-Shatibi, A. I. (1997). Al-Muwafaqat fi Usul al-Shariah [The Reconciliation in the Fundamentals of Islamic Law]. Beirut: Dar al-Ma’rifah.
Arifin, M. Z. (2020). Holistic Islamic Education and the Maqasid al-Shariah. International Journal of Islamic Thought.
Auda, J. (2007). Maqasid al-Shariah as Philosophy of Islamic Law: A Systems Approach. International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT).
Auda, J. (2021). Re-envisioning Maqasid al-Shariah for Contemporary Governance. Maqasid Institute.
Bureau of Registration and Administration (BORA). (2024). [Official internal documentation].
Iswanda, F. S. (2012). The Role and Status of the Syariah Judge in Southern Thailand in Addressing Islamic Family Issues. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Islamic Leadership (ICIL).
Kamali, M. H. (2008). Shariah Law: An Introduction. Oxford: Oneworld Publications.
Lahsasna, A. (2013). The Role of Maqasid al-Shariah in Islamic Finance. [Academic publication].
Liow, J. C. (2009). Islam, Education, and Reform in Southern Thailand: Tradition and Transformation. Singapore: ISEAS Publishing.
Maroning, S. (2019). Management of Marriage, Divorce, and Reconciliation Among Muslims in Thailand Based on National Legislation. Proceedings of ICONIMAD 2019: 9th International Conference on Islam in the Malay World, Krabi, Thailand.
Ningsih, A. W., Permatasari, H. N., & Anjani, P. (2024). Islamic Education Based on Maqasid al-Shariah: Building a Learning System Oriented Towards Social Welfare. 1(1997), 17–20.
Salaming, M. (2019). Management of Marriage, Divorce, and Reconciliation Among Muslims in Thailand Based on National Legislation. Proceedings of ICONIMAD 2019: 9th International Conference on Islam in the Malay World, Krabi, Thailand.
Interview with Ustaz Rushdy Abdulrahman, staff member of MAIWP in the Family Dispute Resolution Bureau, conducted on June 29, 2023, at MAIWP.
Yusuf, I. (2007). The Southern Thailand Conflict and the Muslim World. Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, 27(2), 319–339.
Yeewae, H., & Ahmad, D. A. (2025). Application of Maqasid Shariah in Religious Institutions in Southern Thailand: A Study at the Islamic Religious Council of Pattani Province (MAIWP). International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 14(3), 87–102.
Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s)
Published by HRMARS (www.hrmars.com)
This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this license may be seen at: http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode