Learn the Islamic legal maxim “al-Yaqīn Lā Yuzāl bil-Shakk” — Certainty is not removed by doubt. Explanation with meaning, proofs, and real-life examples showing how Sharia protects established rulings and prevents decisions based on uncertainty.
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The Arabic maxim “اليقين لا يُزال بالشك” translates as “Certainty is not removed by doubt.” This is one of the foundational principles in Islamic jurisprudence (Usul al-Fiqh) and logic, emphasizing that what is firmly established cannot be overturned by mere suspicion, speculation, or uncertainty. It serves as a guiding rule in law, faith, and everyday decision-making.
Understanding the Principle
1. Definition
اليقين (Certainty): A state of firm knowledge or conviction about something. It can be a fact, reality, or a known ruling.
الشك (Doubt): A feeling of uncertainty or suspicion that lacks evidence or proof.
The principle asserts that certainty cannot be invalidated by mere doubt. In other words, if something is known with certainty, unsubstantiated suspicions or hypothetical possibilities do not cancel it.
2. Importance in Islamic Jurisprudence
In Islamic law, this principle ensures stability and fairness in legal rulings. Some examples include:
Purity and Rituals: If a person knows their ablution (wudu) is valid, minor doubts about it should not invalidate it. Certainty of purity is maintained over mere suspicion.
Ownership: If someone possesses an item with certainty, a doubtful claim by another does not negate ownership without proof.
Debt and Contracts: Known debts or contractual obligations remain binding, even if the payer or recipient has doubts about them.
This prevents chaos from constant doubt and protects people from unnecessary hardship.
3. Practical Applications
a) Daily Life
If you are certain that you performed your daily prayers correctly, a fleeting doubt does not invalidate your prayer.
If you are sure you paid someone, mere suspicion that you may have forgotten does not require you to pay again without verification.
b) Scientific and Logical Thinking
Established facts and verified knowledge are not dismissed because of hypothetical scenarios or unverified assumptions.
For example, if you are certain that water boils at 100°C at sea level, minor doubts from unusual conditions do not overturn this established fact.
c) Emotional and Spiritual Context
In faith, certainty in belief in Allah, the Prophets, and the Quran is not shaken by occasional doubts.
This principle encourages believers to hold firm in conviction while seeking knowledge to resolve doubts rationally.
4. Wisdom Behind the Principle
1. Prevents Constant Hesitation: Life would be chaotic if every doubt could erase certainty.
2. Protects Rights and Ownership: Ensures stability in social, legal, and financial matters.
3. Strengthens Faith and Decision-Making: Encourages confidence in personal and spiritual actions.
5. Examples from Hadith and Fiqh
The Prophet ﷺ said regarding ablution: “If one of you doubts whether he has prayed, he should consider what he is certain of.”
Jurists (fuqaha) often apply this principle in matters of zakat, inheritance, and transactions to maintain certainty and prevent injustice.
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Conclusion
اليقين لا يُزال بالشك is more than a legal maxim; it is a life principle. It teaches that:
Certainty forms the foundation of decisions and actions.
Doubt without evidence cannot erase established facts.
Faith, law, and daily life all benefit from the stability this principle offers.