Shariah, the Islamic legal system, is designed to ensure justice, fairness, and the well-being of individuals and society. The objectives of Shariah (Maqasid al-Shariah) refer to the fundamental goals and principles that Islamic law seeks to achieve. These objectives provide a framework for ethical, social, and economic policies that promote human welfare and prevent harm.

The five core objectives of Shariah are followings:

1. Protection of Religion (Hifz al-Deen)

Islam places great emphasis on preserving faith and allowing individuals to practice their beliefs freely. This objective ensures that people have the right to follow their religion without oppression. It also prohibits actions that weaken faith, such as engaging in unethical financial practices like Riba (interest) or investing in prohibited industries like gambling and alcohol. In an economic context, it ensures that businesses and financial transactions align with Islamic values, promoting ethical trade, fair transactions, and interest-free banking.

2. Protection of Life (Hifz al-Nafs)

Shariah aims to protect human life by ensuring safety, security, and access to necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. In an economic sense, this means creating policies that reduce poverty, inequality, and economic exploitation. For example, Islam encourages wealth distribution through Zakat (charitable giving) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) to help those in need. It also prohibits business practices that can harm people, such as selling hazardous products or manipulating markets.

3. Protection of Intellect (Hifz al-Aql)

The preservation of intellect means ensuring that people have access to education and knowledge while protecting them from harmful substances that impair reasoning, such as alcohol and drugs. In economics, this principle supports financial literacy, ethical advertising, and transparent business practices so that individuals can make informed decisions. It also discourages deceptive marketing, fraud, and excessive consumerism, ensuring that people engage in responsible financial activities.

4. Protection of Wealth (Hifz al-Maal)

Wealth is a blessing in Islam, and its protection ensures economic stability and prosperity. Islam encourages lawful earning, fair trade, and wealth circulation while prohibiting financial exploitation through interest (Riba), fraud, and gambling (Maisir). The Islamic economic system supports risk-sharing financial models, such as Mudarabah (profit-sharing investment) and Musharakah (joint partnership), which allow businesses and individuals to prosper without unfair financial burdens. This objective also emphasizes protecting people from economic oppression and ensuring that wealth is distributed fairly in society.

5. Protection of Lineage and Family (Hifz al-Nasl)

Islam emphasizes the stability of families and communities. This means protecting family values, promoting ethical behavior, and preventing exploitation. In an economic context, this includes ensuring fair wages, ethical employment policies, and financial support for families. It also discourages industries that exploit individuals, such as prostitution, pornography, and interest-based debt cycles, which can harm family structures.