Reconstructing Ḥadith Interpretation through a Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah Framework: A Methodological Reassessment of Normative–Contextual Readings

Contemporary hadith studies increasingly face methodological challenges in responding to complex social, ethical, and legal issues. The normative approach tends to emphasize textual authority and literal meaning, while the contextual approach focuses on historical and socio cultural background. When applied independently, these two approaches often produce partial interpretations that struggle to maintain normative legitimacy while remaining socially relevant. This article aims to reconstruct hadith interpretation by integrating maqāṣid al-sharīʿah as a methodological framework that bridges normative and contextual readings. Employing a qualitative and analytical approach, this study critically examines classical and contemporary theories of hadith interpretation and maqāṣid-based reasoning. The findings indicate that maqāṣid al-sharīʿah can function not only as an ethical concept within uṣūl al-fiqh, but also as an epistemological and methodological foundation for hadith interpretation. By foregrounding the objectives of Islamic law—such as justice, human dignity, and public welfare—this framework enables a purposive and evaluative reading of hadith texts without undermining their normative authority. This study argues that integrating maqāṣid into normative contextual interpretation expands the scope of responsible ijtihād and enhances the relevance of hadith in addressing contemporary issues. The article contributes to the development of hadith studies by offering an integrative methodological model that harmonizes textual fidelity, contextual awareness, and ethical purpose. It also opens new avenues for interdisciplinary engagement between hadith studies, Islamic ethics, and the social sciences, thereby strengthening the role of hadith as a dynamic and value-oriented source in modern Islamic thought.