Learn the Islamic legal maxim “al-Ḍarar Yuzāl” — Harm must be eliminated. A clear explanation with meaning, proofs, and real-life examples showing how Sharia removes harm in contracts, society, marriage, health, and public interest.
meaning of al darar yuzal in Islamic law, how Islam removes harm in rulings, examples of removing harm in contracts and marriage, Islamic principle of preventing harm, application of qawaid fiqhiyyah in real life
al-darar yuzal, harm must be eliminated in Islam, Islamic legal maxims, qawaid fiqhiyyah explained, no harm in Islam principle.
Among the great universal principles of Islamic jurisprudence is the rule: “الضَّرَر يُزال” — Harm must be removed. This maxim reflects the spirit of Islam as a religion built upon mercy, protection, justice, and prevention of corruption. Wherever harm appears — in wealth, health, religion, family, society, or public interest — the Sharīʿah commands that it be stopped, reduced, or prevented before it spreads.
Meaning of the Maxim
The word ضرر (harm) includes any form of injury, loss, oppression, injustice, corruption, or threat to people’s rights and safety. The phrase يُزال (must be removed) indicates obligation, not option; meaning Muslims are not allowed to accept harm when it can be prevented or stopped.
This maxim is rooted in the statement of the Prophet ﷺ:
> “لا ضرر ولا ضرار” — There should be neither harm nor reciprocating harm.
Why Islam Eliminates Harm
Removing harm is not merely a legal rule — it is one of the goals of Sharīʿah. The religion of Islam came to preserve five universal necessities: religion, life, intellect, lineage, and wealth. Any action that threatens these is considered harmful and must be ended.
Practical Applications of the Maxim
Below are clear examples of how this principle operates in real life:
1. Cancelling harmful contracts
If a seller cheats or hides defects, the buyer has the right to cancel the deal — to remove harm.
2. Stopping public danger
A factory polluting the air or water must be stopped because its harm affects the community.
3. Medical allowances in hardship
A sick person may break fast or delay prayer postures — to remove physical harm.
4. Separation in harmful marriages
If a wife is abused or a husband is oppressed, Islamic law permits divorce to remove harm.
5. Blocking future harm (preventive action)
Selling weapons to criminals or intoxicants to users is forbidden — not just because of harm done, but to prevent expected harm.
6. Ban on revenge harming
Even if someone wrongs you, Islam forbids harming them in return with injustice — harm does not justify harm.
Limits and Conditions
Removing harm must itself not create greater harm. The jurists say:
> الضرر لا يزال بمثله ولا بأشد منه
Harm is not removed by causing equal or greater harm in return.
Thus, solutions must be wise, just, and proportionate.
Moral and Social Reflection
This maxim turns individuals into agents of mercy: a Muslim does not wait for harm to destroy — he stops it early. It also builds safe communities where justice is protected and people trust Islamic guidance because they see real-life relief, not theoretical rulings.
Summary
Principle Meaning
الضَّرَر يُزال Harm must be removed from individuals and society by lawful means
Scope Contracts, health, public safety, marriage, business, justice
Goal Protect life, wealth, dignity, faith, and community stability.
Eliminating harm is not only law — it is worship. Removing danger from people is an act Allah loves.