Analysis of the Priority Elements on Common Society According to the Thoughts of Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

This article discusses the priority elements for common society in the aspects of knowledge and thought according to Yusuf al-Qaradawi’s views in his book “Fi Fiqh al-’Awlawiyyah wa Dirasah Jadidah fi Ḡau’i al-Qur’an wa Sunnah†. As Al-Qaradawi points out, knowledge is not only the privilege of scholars and intellectuals, but it is also an obligation of every individual, including the common men. This study utilizes a qualitative research method where the works of al-Qaradawi are analyzed in a descriptive approach. Important aspects stressed are the preference of action to knowledge, knowledge to memory, the purpose of the Shariah to its texts, and ijtihad to taqleed (imitation). The study finds that each of these priority elements not only elevates an individual’s status in the sight of God but also nurtures a wiser, more critical, and competitive society in various aspects of life. This article provides guidance for the common society on how to understand and apply the prioritization of knowledge in daily life in line with Shariah demands and current realities.