Exploring the Role of Expediency in Governmental Rulings in Shafi‘i and Ja‘fari Jurisprudence

Expediency originates from Sharia and is defined as distinguishing good deeds from bad deeds. The long history of expediency in Shafi‘i and Ja‘fari jurisprudence makes it justifiable to conduct comparative studies. Shafi‘i jurisprudence considers expediency as a kind of argument, covering all kinds of expediency-based Ijtihad by expanding the scope of syllogism. Employing rational perceptions and conforming modern issues to existing reasons, Shafi‘i jurisprudents use exegesis-based Ijtihad, syllogism and Exigency-based reasoning. Ja‘fari jurisprudence considers certain perceptions of rationality as the basis of truth, and considered pursuing them necessary like Sharia laws. In both Shafi‘i and Ja‘fari jurisprudence, intellect has been accepted as a means for deducing governmental rulings based on expediency, but there are differences among these two kinds of jurisprudence in terms of function and application. Expediency plays an essential role in the scope of governmental rulings. Governmental rulings are issued and implemented depending on expediency. These rulings are expediency-based and are not considered as permanent rulings.