Reframing Development and Welfare through Islamic Participatory Governance: Conceptualizing a Maqasid al-shari’ah Framework

Abstract

A development-oriented and hierarchical development framework has not achieved balanced prosperity. This research proposes a model of Islamic participation to realize sustainable, inclusive, and ethical development through a bottom-up approach. This research adopts a conceptual framework that combines Ibn Khaldun's historical thought on social solidarity (asabiyyah) and contemporary participatory development theory. This suggests that the participation of the Muslim communities plays an important role in bridging the disparity of distributive justice that mainstream economic models often overlook. In fact, community participation based on spiritual values can strengthen social cohesion and economic activity, direct the development process to be in harmony with the goals of maqasid al-shari’ah, and fulfil physical and spiritual needs. Theoretically, this research addresses a critical lacuna by integrating maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah into participatory governance and distributive justice. It conceptualizes maqāṣid as an operational framework that links ethical imperatives with institutional and social structures, advancing Islamic economics beyond normative discussions of an ideal society. Practically, it leads the model of policymakers in embedding moral, social, and spiritual dimensions within governance to ensure increased ethical accountability and social cohesion. It finally frames development as a collective moral endeavor in pursuit of falah, a holistic well-being that unites material and spiritual prosperity.