ما هو سد الذرائع؟

The principle of "blocking the means" (sadd al-dhara'i') means blocking paths and means that lead to corruption and the forbidden. This applies to matters that appear permissible on the surface but ultimately lead to harm or the forbidden. Scriptural texts and scholarly consensus have affirmed its validity.

Means (dhara'i') are divided into three categories:

1. Means that must be blocked by consensus: Such as reviling idols if it leads to reviling Allah.

2. Means that do not have to be blocked by consensus: If the harm involved is counteracted by a greater, overriding benefit, such as planting grapevines.

3. Means over which there is disagreement: Such as sales that could potentially be a means to usury (riba).