Is the jurisprudential rule: "If a private interest and a public interest conflict, the private interest is given precedence," sound and absolute? Does the public interest include the family or group? What is the ruling on the head of a household stealing to feed his family?

Contrary to what was mentioned in the book, public interest takes precedence over private interest when they conflict, for the Sharia came to realize the welfare of people. Likewise, it is not permissible for a person to resort to theft to meet his family's needs, for what is with Allah Almighty cannot be attained except through obeying Him, and he must seek lawful earnings. The thief is cursed and punished in this world and the Hereafter.