Maqāṣid al-Qur’ān and Human Development: Reflections on Qur’ānic Objectives and Prophetic Practices

Abstract

This article explores human development as a holistic process grounded in the Qur’an’s maqāṣid (higher objectives), moving beyond modern approaches that often center narrowly on material and economic indicators. While development thinking shifted in the late twentieth century to focus more directly on human welfare—emphasizing education, fair distribution, and protection of rights—such frameworks emerged late and have struggled to prevent rising poverty, unemployment, and inequality. By contrast, this study describes the Islamic perspective as reflected in the Qur’an, which integrates spiritual, ethical, and social dimensions of development, and then deduces how these maqāṣid lay the foundation for a balanced model of human flourishing. Drawing on classical and contemporary scholarship, including the contributions of Ibn ʿĀshūr, Riḍā, al-Qaraḍāwī, and al-ʿAlwānī, the article outlines core objectives such as refining character, protecting human dignity and life, promoting knowledge and freedom, ensuring justice, and affirming humanity’s role as khulafāʾ (vicegerents) on earth. The study further highlights practical examples from the life of the Prophet in Madinah—such as the establishment of brotherhood, organizing economic and social life, prohibiting ribā (usury), and safeguarding public welfare—that demonstrate how these objectives were translated into practice. Ultimately, the article concludes that the Qur’anic maqāṣid offer a comprehensive, ethically anchored framework for human development that remains profoundly relevant today, emphasizing that genuine progress must harmonize spiritual purpose, moral integrity, and collective responsibility to achieve sustainable human well-being