In the Islamic tradition, fiqh (Islamic law) is generally regarded as the science of furū’al-dīn (matters complementary to the Islamic faith), as opposed to kalām (Islamic theology) which is known as the science of uṣūl al-dīn (matters primary to the Islamic faith). Over time, however, fiqh has significantly surpassed Kalām in terms of cognitive maturation and epistemic development. In The Higher Objectives of Islamic Theology, Mohammed Gamal Abdelnour argues that far too little attention has been paid to parallel developments in Islamic theology. Addressing this gap and drawing on the full-fledged genre of Maqāṣid al-Sharī’a, this study develops a genre of Maqāṣid al-’Aqīda (higher objectives of Islamic theology) based on a scheme of core values (Truth, Justice, Beauty), instead of a scheme of ḥudūd (penalties). Arguing that the tradition’s current overemphasis on law (Justice) has relegated both theology (Truth) and Sufism (Beauty) to the periphery of the tradition, Abdelnour illustrates how this marginalisation of theology and Sufism leaves less room for an “ethical Islam” and instead prioritises “legal” and “political Islam”. In developing the higher objectives of Islamic theology, the book shifts focus from law to theology and rebalances the core values of truth, justice, and beauty. Discussants: Sophia Vasalou (University of Birmingham) Alexander Wain (University of St Andrews) Mohammed Gamal Abdelnour (Al-Azhar University / University of York)