The Scope of Contemporary Islamic Legal Thought: A Methodological Analysis and a Comparative Study of Indonesia and Malaysia

Al-Qanun. 2026 Open access

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Authors: Aisyah Nurhalisha Mursyida, Syarifuddin; Universitas Islam Negeri Palangka Raya Syarifuddin, Ali Murtadho
DOI: 10.58836/al-qanun.v7i1.26496
Cited by: 1

Abstract

This article examines the scope of contemporary Islamic legal thought and its methodological approaches through a comparative study of Indonesia and Malaysia. Using qualitative library research with a normative-comparative approach, this study analyzes academic literature, fatwas, and legal regulations related to Islamic law in both countries. The findings show that although both countries employ maqāṣid al-syarī‘ah as a methodological framework, they differ in orientation. Indonesia tends to adopt a more plural and academic approach by incorporating hermeneutical and socio-historical perspectives, while Malaysia emphasizes a legal-formal approach through state institutions and Syariah courts. These differences indicate that contemporary Islamic legal thought is contextual and shaped by socio-political structures and legal systems.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Islamic Finance and Banking Studies Linguistic Cultural and Literary Studies Qur’anic Interpretation Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
Al-Qanun.
Publisher
Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara Medan
Volume
7
Issue
1
Pages
58–58
Publication date
13 February 2026
Language
EN