Likewise, if a person were confined in a narrow place, or were engaged in close combat with the enemy (1), or faced some other such circumstance (2), the same principle would apply. This also applies to jihad, offices of authority, and all other religious affairs. All of this is encompassed by the words of Allah Most High: “So fear Allah as much as you are able” [al-Taghābun 64:16], and by the Prophet’s words—peace and blessings be upon him: “When I command you to do something, do as much of it as you are able” (3).

Similarly, when Allah Most High prohibited impure foods, He said: “But whoever is compelled by necessity—neither desiring it nor exceeding the limit—there is no sin upon him” [al-Baqara 2:173]. He also said: “He has laid no hardship upon you in religion—a way of faith” [al-Hajj 22:78], and: “Allah does not intend to impose hardship upon you” [al-Māʾida 5:6]. Thus, He did not impose what cannot be done, nor did He prohibit what necessity compels one to do, provided that the servant did not bring about that necessity through disobedience.

Chapter

Governance (4) of people’s affairs is among the greatest obligations of the religion. Indeed, neither religion nor worldly life can be complete (5) without it, for the children of Adam cannot secure their welfare except by gathering together, because they need one another