To what extent can the principle of "blocking the means" (sadd al-dharāʾiʿ) be expanded, and is it permissible to abolish a continuous Sunnah (sunnah mutawātirah) under the pretext of blocking the means?

The principle of blocking the means (Sadd al-Dhara'i') means that means leading to what is forbidden are considered forbidden. This is a foundational principle for the Malikis, and they were not alone in adopting it, as others also embraced it, but they expanded upon it. However, it is not permissible to over-expand in blocking the means, as it leads to hardship. If the Sunnah mandates a religious ruling, it is not permissible to lift it under the pretext of blocking the means. However, if the Sunnah implies the permissibility or recommendation of something, some scholars may restrict this permissibility or recommendation as a way to block the means to falling into the forbidden. Examples include the Maliki restriction on the general permissibility of sales in forward contracts, or Malik's disapproval of fasting the White Days for those who are looked up to, fearing that the general public might assume it is obligatory.