Islamic Law and Social Change: Contemporary Applications of Fiqh in Muslim Societies

Abstract

Islamic law has long been perceived as a normative system rooted in classical jurisprudence, yet contemporary social developments have necessitated renewed interpretations and applications of fiqh. This article examines the relationship between Islamic law and social change by analyzing how contemporary fiqh responds to evolving social, economic, technological, and cultural contexts in Muslim societies. Employing normative legal research based on doctrinal analysis, this study explores classical legal principles alongside modern reformist approaches, including maqāṣid al-sharīʿah, ijtihād maqāṣidī, and collective ijtihād. The findings indicate that contemporary fiqh increasingly emphasizes public interest, legal objectives, and contextual reasoning to address modern challenges such as family law reform, healthcare ethics, digital transactions, and social justice. These developments reflect a shift from rigid textualism toward a more purposive and socially responsive jurisprudence. The article argues that this transformation does not undermine the authority of Islamic law but rather strengthens its legitimacy and relevance. By integrating ethical values with social realities, contemporary fiqh serves as an effective legal instrument for managing social change while preserving the core principles of Islamic jurisprudence.