A Research into the Scope of the Principle of Sahlah and Samḥah Sharīʻah

The discussion of sahlah and samḥah (taking easy and simple) sharīʻah is important. Because in different eras, especially our era, some have chosen the way of tasāmuḥ and tasāhul (making easy) in religious matters by citing this principle. According to this view, if it is difficult to perform a task, it is not necessary to comply with it, even if it does not cause stricture or harm. On the other hand, some jurists have taken great precautions in fiqh and uṣūl al-fiqh by relying on ʻilm al-ijmālī (collective knowledge), the probability of punishment, the good perception of reality, and such issues. So that, no matter how we interpret it, the sahlah and samḥah sharīʻah will not find a place in fiqh. By examining the evidence that indicates the sahlah and samḥah sharīʻah, it was found in this study that the most correct understanding of the meaning and concept of this principle is that this principle only has an external jurisprudential view. This study is in the position of a general comparison between all the laws of Islām and the laws of other religions and is not in the position of simplifying the rulings. Therefore, based on this principle, it is not possible to disprove rulings that are difficult for the mukallaf (the one charged with a duty), but their difficulty does not reach the level of stricture or harm. The result of this study is used in many old and emerging issues, such as the issue of hijāb, the issue of sex reassignment for those who are not compatible with their apparent gender, or the issue of embryo donation for couples who find it difficult not to have children.