Maxims of Islamic Law

The Maxims of Islamic Law were established after representatives of all schools of thought regarding Muslim Jurisprudence came together to reach a consensus. Maxims refer to a body of abstract rules that were produced after a detailed study of the fiqh. They’re theoretical guidelines corresponding to different areas of fiqh, which may be dealing with anything from evidence to matrimonial law. The fiqh is Islamic jurisprudence, through the human interpretation of Islamic law.

The five Normative Maxims of Islamic law

 * Al-umuru bi-maqasidiha: Acts are judged by the intention behind them
 * Ad-dararu yuzal: Harm must be eliminated
 * Al-yaqinu la yazulu bish-shakk: Certainty is not overruled by doubt
 * Al-'addatu muhakkamatun: Cultural usage shall have the weight of law
 * Al-mashaqqatu tujlab at-taysir: Hardship begets facility