Page 59 - PROFILE MAQASID SHARIAH

4 The Three (3) Categories of
Maslahah (Benefits)

Islamic scholars have categorised Maqasid Shariah to the following three (3) categories:

i. Dharuriyyat (Essentials)

The essential maslahah involves the preservation of five categories, that is, religion, life,
intellect, progeny and property. These categories are considered essentials that human beings
cannot dispense with in social life. Life will be meaningless if any of these necessities is not
fulfilled. Any action that violates any of these five essentials is considered mafsadah (harmful).

ii. Hajiyyat (Needs)

Hajiyyat refers to the benefits needed by human beings to facilitate life and remove
severity and hardship. Although it is a level below dharuriyyat, i.e. the
requirements essential to the survival of individuals, it is needed to
avoid hardship in society. The absence of hajiyyat does not pose a threat
to the very survival of human beings but will cause some hardship.

Maqasid Shariah Profile 59