<![CDATA[This study examines the epistemological problems involved in applying the concept of necessity (darūraḥ) to determine the legality of medical abortion under Islamic law. To date, darūraḥ has often been treated as a binary condition (either present or absent), without clear gradations, thereby giving rise to interpretative ambiguity and legal inconsistencies. This study aims to develop a graded typology of darūraḥ through the concepts of hadd ̣ al-akhaf (minimum threshold) and hadd ̣ al-asqal (maximum threshold) within the framework of Maqāsid ̣ al-Syarī‘ah as the epistemological foundation of Islamic law. Using a qualitative method with a normative-empirical approach and deductive analysis, this study found that a graded typology of darūraḥ allows for the systematic differentiation of levels of necessity based on the degree of danger, threat to life, availability of alternatives, the affected Maqāsid ̣, and the proportionality of maslaḥ aḥ and mafsadah. At the minimum level (hadd al-akhaf̣), abortion is permitted on a conditional basis (rukhsaḥ) in cases such as severe foetal abnormalities or rape, prior to 120 days. At the maximum level (hadd al-asqaḷ), abortion becomes obligatory (ibāhaḥ) to save the mother’s life, even after 120 days. This research contributes to the development of contemporary usul al-fiqh by providing an operational and measurable analytical framework, whilst bridging the gap between classical Islamic legal theory and the challenges of modern bioethics. Its practical implications include guidance for fatwas, clinical decisions and Sharia-based health policies.]]>
