This is an important jurisprudential study as it attempts to examine the jurisprudential maxim of "The hukm (ruling)'s dependence on the presence or absence of its `illah (effective cause)" in the light of shari`ah objectives. The problem this research approaches is the dialectical relationship between `illah (effective cause), hikmah (purpose) and maqasid (objectives) in terms of ratiocination in the process of qiyas (juridical analogy) as expressed by the following maxims: "The ruling depends on the presence or absence of its `illah", "The ruling depends on the presence or absence of its hikmah", and "The ruling depends on the presence or absence of its maqsid". Under this problem, come two main questions: What are the bases for this maxim "The ruling depends on the presence or absence of its `illah"? What effect could a maqasid-based perspective have on this maxim? The researcher depends on four methods in this research: 1) the descriptive method, which is used to identify the research concepts as well as other relevant issues and rules in a clear way; 2) the inductive method, which is used to trace the rationale behind various issues; 3) the comparative method, which is used in comparing between the different opinions of Muslim jurisprudents and their approaches to the treatment of research issues; and 4) the critical, analytical method, which is used throughout the research to analyze and criticize all suggested propositions. The research concludes that the maxim of "the ruling's dependence on the presence or absence of its effective cause" was laid down by Muslim jurisprudents and that it was applied by Muslim jurists in their practice of ijtihad. It is founded on a variety of principles: its juridical legitimacy is derived from prophetic directives; it is a juridical approach that differs from juridical abrogation; and it is regulated by the variables and invariables of shari`ah rulings. As for the maqasid-based perspective, the concepts of shari`ah objectives have been reflected on this jurisprudential approach and have highlighted its vitality in the contemporary practice of ijtihad.