BENEFIT 361: What is ضرورة (necessity), and does everything people claim to be a necessity truly qualifies as one?

Sheikh Sulaymān Ar-Ruhaili وفقه الله stated: The term "الضرورات" (necessities) is the plural of "ضرورة" (necessity). According to scholars, necessity is: 1. when a person reaches a state where they fear for their life or 2. something akin to destruction. If someone reaches a point where they fear death, it is considered a necessity. For instance, if a person is stranded in the desert without provisions and experiences severe hunger to the extent that they fear death, they are considered to be in a state of necessity. Scholars define situations akin to destruction as follows: 1. Losing a body part: If someone is at risk of losing an organ, such as an eye, hearing, or a limb, this is considered a necessity. 2. Losing one's sanity: If a person fears losing their mental faculties, it is deemed a necessity. Although losing one’s mind does not cause immediate death, it places a person in a condition similar to death. 3. Losing one’s honour: If an individual fears for their dignity or honour, it qualifies as a necessity. 4. Losing all one’s wealth: If a person fears total financial ruin, it is considered a necessity since wealth is fundamental to sustaining life. 5. Losing one’s faith: This is the most critical necessity. If someone fears losing their religion, it is the highest form of necessity in the Shari'ah! This is ضرورة according to the Shari'ah. Thus, not everything people claim to be a necessity truly qualifies as one. Some individuals justify committing prohibited acts by citing necessity, saying: 'الضرورات تبيح المحظورات' “Necessity permits the forbidden(1).” However, upon closer examination, their situation may not even meet the level of a حاجة (genuine need). For example, when some men are asked why they shave their beards, they respond, “I love having a beard, but it is a necessity.” When asked if they suffer from a medical condition requiring them to shave, they reply, “No, but my wife dislikes it.” This is not a true necessity! Therefore, ضرورة must be measured according to standard of the Shari'ah. ____ (1) Such as: engaging in a prohibited act, neglecting an obligation or postponing it beyond its designated time.