Integrating Classical Jurisprudence Into Modern Islamic Philanthropy: Insights From Kitab Al-I’lan Bi Ahkam Al-Bunyan

Sharifah Fadylawaty Syed Abdullah; Amal Hayati Ishak

doi:10.64757/alqanatir.2025.3404/1165

Authors

Sharifah Fadylawaty Syed Abdullah Senior Lecturer
Amal Hayati Ishak Associate Professor

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64757/alqanatir.2025.3404/1165

Keywords:

Islamic Philanthropy, Kitab I'lan, Waqf, Zakat, Islamic Development

Abstract

Islamic philanthropy plays a pivotal role in advancing social justice, shared responsibility, and communal well-being across Muslim societies. This study explores how the classical Maliki text, Kitab al-I’lan bi Ahkam al-Bunyan by Ibn al-Rami, contributes to both the theoretical and practical underpinnings of modern Islamic philanthropy, with particular attention to zakat, waqf, and Islamic urban development. Although originally conceived as a manual on construction law and property rights, the text encapsulates broader jurisprudential principles—such as harm prevention (la darar wa la dirar), protection of neighborly rights, responsible asset management, and the prioritization of public interest—that are highly applicable to contemporary philanthropic governance. Employing a qualitative methodology, this study conducts a textual analysis of selected chapters from the Kitab, supported by secondary sources in Islamic legal and philanthropic literature. The analysis identifies core themes relevant to ethical stewardship and sustainable institutional development. Findings reveal that Ibn al-Rami’s legal insights offer a robust and timeless framework for integrating classical jurisprudence into the administration of zakat and waqf in today’s socio-economic context. These principles support improved transparency, long-term asset utilization, and community-centered urban planning. The study concludes that when thoughtfully adapted, classical Islamic legal heritage can significantly enrich the ethical and operational standards of modern Islamic philanthropy.

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Author Biographies

Sharifah Fadylawaty Syed Abdullah, Senior Lecturer

Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies (ACIS), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

Amal Hayati Ishak, Associate Professor

Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies (ACIS), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

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Abduh, M. (2024, August 9). The Role of Islamic Philanthropy in Shaping The Circular Economy. Paper presented at the Symposium on Financial Innovation, Conference Room, Universiti Brunei Darussalam School of Business and Economics (UBDSBE).

Afraz, F. F. D., Muliana, T. F., & Muda, T. (2024, April 24–25). Mechanisms Of Islamic Philanthropy In Addressing The Issue Of Abandoned Children in Malaysia. Paper presented at the 3rd International Conference on Islamic Economics (3rd ICONIE 2024), Holiday Hotel Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Unpublished Thesis

El Fiky, M. (2019). The Possible State? Renewal of Ijtihād and Its Role in Enforcing Sharia Through the Intellectual Project of Jamāl l-Dīn Atīya (Master's thesis, The University of Arizona).