FatwaSarawakLegal Theory & Methodology
Usul Fiqh
What is the legal maxim Ad-Dharar Yuzalu and how is it applied in past and recent cases?
Short answer
The maxim means that harm must be removed, and it is based on Surah Al-Maidah verse 3 and the hadith "there shall be no harm and no reciprocating harm".
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- Sarawak State Mufti Department
- Date
- Status
- Opinion (irsyad)
- Series
- Irsyad (Koleksi Kemusykilan Agama)
- Topic
- Legal Theory & Methodology
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
The maxim means that harm must be removed, and it is based on Surah Al-Maidah verse 3 and the hadith "there shall be no harm and no reciprocating harm". All forms of harm must be removed or prevented, whether before or after they occur. Examples include eating carrion only as much as needed to relieve severe hunger, performing tayammum when using water risks worsening an illness, and suspending congregational and Friday prayers in mosques during the movement control order and Covid-19 quarantine.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Kaedah ini menegaskan bahawa segala bentuk bahaya, kerugian, atau hal yang memudaratkan dalam Islam wajib dihilangkan atau dicegah, sama ada sebelum berlaku atau telah berlaku.
Read the full fatwa on the Sarawak website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
Sarawak State Mufti Department. “Usul Fiqh”, 28 July 2026. https://muftinegeri.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/irsyad_list/#2026-07-28-usul-fiqh. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/legal-maxim-ad-dharar-yuzalu-explained/