Sawalhi, Younis. “Induction in the Methodologies of Islamic Research: Imam al-Shāṭibī’s al-Muwāfaqāt as a Model,” Year 1, Issue 4 (Spring 1416 AH/ 1996 CE), Pp. 59-91.

Abstract

Younis Sawalhi attempts to define the concept of induction as used by Imam al-Shāṭibī in his book al-Muwāfaqāt, and the different approaches to using induction as a methodology to establish the science of maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah (the objectives of Shariʿah). He explains the meaning of the inductive method and how al-Shāṭibī employed the methodology in his book.  He also presents the concept of induction before al-Shāṭibī, the features of inductive methodology, and how to use them as rational evidence in the science of maqāṣid. Sawalhi explains the difference between complete and incomplete induction, the understanding of these concepts and their usage by al-Shāṭibī, the fields in which al-Shāṭibī applied this methodology, and the most critical problems facing the inductive method and how al-Shāṭibī addressed them. Sawalhi concludes by attempting to standardize the methods of inference employed by al-Shāṭibī and describing their impact on maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah.