The Majlis Archive
General Fiqh The Majlis Vol 24 No 08, p.12

What is 'necessity' in terms of the Shariah?

Question

What is 'necessity' in terms of the Shariah? Please explain the concept of necessity in Islam as everybody seems to have their own definition, which they apply to each of the scenarios above and many more?

Answer

Briefly the principle of Dhuroorat applies to situations of real hardship. Life, limb and health are threatened. Arrest and being jailed is a valid threat. Starvation is valid for the principle. Dire sickness and the like are valid for invoking the principle. The many little trials we are confronted with in our life of today are not within the scope of Necessity. These are part of worldly life and are trials imposed on us by Allah Ta'ala to test our Imaan.

The Qur'aan Majeed states: "Most certainly, We shall try you with something of fear, hunger, reduction (loss) of wealth, (loss) of life and fruits (agricultural products). Give glad tidings to the Saabireen."

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The Majlis Vol 24 No 08
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Appears under ‘SEERAH JALSAHS’ — SHAITAANI LOGIC. This heading is the nearest headline at or before the page and is approximate. Do not cite it alone.

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