The Deconstruction of Sharia Abdullah Ahmed An-na'im: Ideas, Methodology, and Relevance in Contemporary Islamic Law

Abstract

This article examines Abdullah Ahmed An-Na’im’s discourse on the deconstruction of Sharia as a continuation of his teacher, Mahmoud Mohamed Taha, and its relevance in contemporary Islamic legal studies. An-Na’im argues that the classical formulation of Sharia, as historically interpreted by jurists, is no longer compatible with modern state systems, human rights principles, and current socio-political realities. Using a descriptive-analytical method, this study explores the biographical, methodological, and philosophical foundations of An-Na’im’s thought, especially his concept of reinterpreting Medinan verses through the contextual priority of the Meccan message. The study finds that An-Na’im seeks to reconstruct Islamic law on the basis of maqasid, constitutionalism, and universal human rights. While his theory provides a new discourse for reform, it also generates criticism for potentially weakening the authority of Sharia and opening the door to liberal relativism. This paper concludes that An-Na’im’s deconstruction offers a provocative yet significant contribution to contemporary Islamic legal reform, particularly in the discourse of democracy, citizenship, and human rights.