Sadd al-Dhari'ah Blocking the Means and Its Relation to Political Policy: An Usuli Contemporary Applied Study with a Focus on Acts of Worship as a Model

Abstract

Objectives:This study aims to clarify the relationship between the principle of blocking the means (sadd al-dharāʾiʿ) and Islamic public policy (al-siyāsa al-sharʿiyya) by examining its role in achieving the higher objectives of Sharia, particularly in contemporary applications. The study asserts that sadd al-dharāʾiʿ is one of the key evidentiary foundations upon which Islamic public policy is built, helping to regulate societal affairs, realize public interests, and prevent harm in light of ongoing changes and emerging issues.

Methodology: The study adopts a descriptive and analytical methodology based on inductive reasoning. It involves the examination of relevant scriptural texts, juristic opinions, and related legal practices, with the aim of analyzing contemporary realities and linking them to the objectives of Sharia. The goal is to demonstrate how the principle of blocking the means can be employed within Islamic public policy in a way that takes into account modern necessities and contextual developments.

Research Problem: The study aimed to answer a number of central questions, most notably: What is the true concept of Sadd al-Dharā’i (blocking the means) in Islamic jurisprudence, and how is it applied in Shari'ah policy within the domain of acts of worship? What are the types of Sadd al-Dharā’i, and to what extent can they be employed in issues related to worship? What are the foundational legal principles that regulate its application, and to what extent are these principles realized in contemporary practices? What are the most prominent modern examples of applying Sadd al-Dharā’i in the field of worship?

Findings: The study concluded that Sadd al-Dharā’i represents an effective tool in the hands of the ruler and the jurist to achieve the objectives of the Sharia, especially in preventing prevailing harms. It also revealed a set of conditions that must be observed when applying this principle. The study then highlighted the effectiveness of Sadd al-Dharā’i within Shari'ah policy through contemporary applications, such as the suspension of Hajj and Umrah during epidemics, the closure of mosques during pandemics, and the prohibition of openly breaking the fast during Ramadan, even by those with valid excuses. It emphasized that these measures fall within Shari'ah policy aimed at achieving the public interest.

Conclusion:The study highlights the applied dimension of sadd al-dharāʾiʿ within Islamic public policy in addressing emerging legal and social issues. It affirms that this principle is consistent with the objectives of Sharia in preserving religion, life, and lineage, achieving a balance between benefits and harms, and confirming the flexibility of Islamic law in responding to modern transformations.