A Theoretical Framework for Integrating Maqasid al-Shariah into Sustainable Development Goals Implementation in Nigeria

This dissertation develops an original theoretical framework for integrating the Maqasid al-Shariah (the higher objectives of Islamic law) into the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Nigerian policy context. The alignment between the five Maqasid objectives (preservation of religion, life, intellect, lineage, and wealth) and the SDGs' core pillars of human dignity, social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic justice represents an underexplored nexus in Islamic policy scholarship. The study employs a theoretical constructivist research methodology, drawing on systematic literature review of Maqasid scholarship (al-Ghazali through to Bin Bayyah and Auda), critical analysis of Nigeria's SDG Voluntary National Review reports (2020 to 2024), and expert validation of the proposed framework through Delphi consultations with 25 Islamic policy scholars, development economists, and government planners across Nigeria's geopolitical zones. The contribution to knowledge is a tripartite Maqasid-SDG Integration Framework operationalised through Islamic institutional instruments including Zakat, Waqf, and Qard al-Hasan. Findings from framework validation reveal strong scholarly consensus on the theoretical coherence of the model, with moderate consensus on practical implementation pathways. Original contributions include the first systematically validated Maqasid-SDG matrix for the Nigerian context. Recommendations include policy adoption of the framework by the Ministry of Finance and Islamic finance regulatory bodies. Keywords: Maqasid al-Shariah, SDGs, sustainable development, Islamic policy framework, Nigeria.