The Role of Uṣūlī Methodology in Reinforcing Moderation in Islamic Thought

Abstract

The science of uṣūl al-fiqh, by means of its rules, has projected a moderate approach to Islamic thought; an approach derived from the principle of moderation in the Shariʿah. In fact, through this science, Muslim thought has established a legitimate philosophical approach allowing for deduction in all areas of civilization as dealt with in Islamic thought. Thus, this science ensures important indispensable benefits. The following study attempts to reveal the parameters of moderation and the role played by the methodology of uṣūl al-fiqh in establishing the moderate spirit. The balance to be found between the bases or roots of Islamic Law and its branches is highlighted as being essential in this approach. What is also highlighted is the practical and realistic applicability of this approach; this being a characteristic feature that connects reason to revelation. This study demonstrates that the methodological function which appears in uṣūl al-fiqh as an expression of the parameters of moderation also accommodates the adaptive, inferential and evidentiary functions.