The Qur'anic Understanding of the Objectives of Social Justice: Views of Modern Exegetes

This research examines the Qur’anic concept of social justice in light of the Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah (Objectives of Islamic Law). The study seeks to explore how the Qur’an establishes justice as a foundational value in achieving balance, equality, and human welfare in society. It provides a comparative and analytical study of modern Qur’anic exegetes, including al-Tahir ibn ‘Ashur, Sayyid Qutb, Rashid Rida, and Wahbah al-Zuhayli, focusing on how they interpreted the Qur’anic verses concerning justice through the lens of divine objectives. The findings indicate that these modern scholars have expanded the traditional legal understanding of justice to include moral, social, and human dimensions. According to them, social justice in the Qur’an is not limited to legal retribution or fairness but represents a comprehensive system based on human dignity, social balance, and collective responsibility. This study highlights that the Maqāṣid-based interpretation provides a holistic framework for understanding Qur’anic guidance relevant to the challenges of modern societies, emphasizing the dynamic and universal nature of Islamic justice.