Reconstruction of the Concept of Distributive Justice in Islamic Economics: A Normative Analysis of Contemporary Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah

Abstract

This study normatively examines the concept of distributive justice in Islamic economics by positioning maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah as the primary normative framework in addressing the challenges of global economic inequality and the transformation of the modern economic system. Through a qualitative approach with normative-philosophical literature study, this article conducts a content analysis of relevant classical and contemporary literature on maqāṣid and Islamic economic justice. The results of the study indicate that distributive justice in the maqāṣid perspective is not merely a matter of material distribution, but includes ethical objectives to ensure the fulfillment of basic needs, protection of human dignity, and sustainable social welfare. Other findings indicate that Islamic economic instruments such as zakat, waqf, and profit-sharing mechanisms are powerful manifestations of maqāṣid in minimizing inequality and strengthening social balance. The analysis also reveals that the integration of maqāṣid principles in modern economic policies can broaden the scope of distributive justice by including dimensions of access to economic opportunities, education, and basic services. Furthermore, maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah has been adapted in contemporary discourse to evaluate the impact of economic policies on overall social welfare. Thus, this study concludes that the reconstruction of the concept of distributive justice based on maqāṣid provides an important conceptual contribution to the development of Islamic economic theory and practice that is responsive to current global inequality. This study recommends further operational development in Islamic public policy and economic planning to substantially realize the principle of distributive justice