KH. BAHAUDIN NURSALIM AND THE DYNAMIC APPROACH IN FIQH THROUGH THE INTEGRATION OF AL-QAWA’ID AL-FIQHIYYA AND USUL AL-FIQH

Abstract

This paper examines KH. Bahaudin Nursalim’s (Gus Baha) perspective on a dynamic approach to fiqh, emphasizing the integration of al-qawāʿid al-fiqhiyya and uṣūl al-fiqh. This approach distinguishes itself by providing contextualized responses to contemporary social challenges while maintaining the foundational principles of Islamic law. The study aims to analyze how Gus Baha employs these two disciplines to develop a jurisprudential framework that is both adaptable and relevant to contemporary Muslim societies. Methodologically, the study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, using thematic content analysis of Gus Baha’s lectures available on digital platforms, selected for their topical relevance and popularity. The findings reveal that Gus Baha’s contextual approach helps ensure the continued relevance of fiqh by aligning legal reasoning with contemporary needs, particularly with regard to maqāṣid al-sharīʿa (the higher objectives of Islamic law), such as justice and social welfare. The article also highlights ongoing debates between this approach and more traditionalist perspectives and offers a preliminary framework for institutionalizing Gus Baha’s methodology in educational and religious settings. Furthermore, it proposes both regional and international collaboration and compares Gus Baha’s method with those of Yusuf al-Qaradawi and Abdullah bin Bayyah to enrich contemporary efforts toward fiqh renewal.