Principles and Application of Wasatiyyah in Thailand

Abstract

This study employed a qualitative research approach, with the main aim of studying the principles and the application of Wasatiyyah in Thailand. The researcher collected the data from al-Quran al-Hadi, the perspective of Islamic experts and educators, and Islamic laws, such as Maqasid al-Shariah, Usul al-Fiqh, Qawaid al-Faqhiyya, Fiqh al-Waaqi, Fiqh al-Awlawiyyat, and Fiqh al-Aqalliyyat, and the data from the in-depth interview of the founders and the policy makers of Wasatiyyah. The results revealed that 1. the concept of Al-Wasatiyyah comprised of six main principles: 1) excellence 2) justice 3) balance 4) integrity 5) simplicity and 6) wisdom and 2. the application of Al-Wasatiyyah in Thai society was based on six principles of Fiqh al-Aqalliyyat: 1) prevention of harm 2) protection 3) flexibility 4) prioritization of Islamic rules 5) propriety and 6) diagnosis of weaknesses.