Abstract
This study explores the Islamic legal maxim "Al-Muta‘addi Afdal min Al-Qasir" (Public benefit prevails over individual benefit) and applies it to a sensitive medical field—surgical nutrition in neonates. It investigates the relevance of this jurisprudential principle in legitimizing early nutritional interventions for premature infants and those with congenital anomalies who cannot rely on natural feeding. Grounded in the higher objectives of Islamic law (Maqasid al-Shari‘ah), especially the preservation of life, the study connects this principle to modern medical efforts aimed at saving the lives of newborns. Furthermore, it draws parallels from broader food security applications such as agricultural cooperatives and local food systems, to demonstrate how the principle's underlying ethos supports prioritizing public-benefit medical practices. The study concludes that applying this legal maxim offers a robust jurisprudential framework to support broader adoption of life-saving nutritional interventions, contributing to a holistic Islamic ethical vision for improving food security and neonatal care.