Is it permissible for the poor villagers to secretly gather firewood from a forest from which the state prohibits woodcutting, provided they are careful to take only dry wood and not harm the forest, given their poverty, the cold winter, and the high price of fuel? And is it permissible for the supervisor to turn a blind eye to them?

The state is permitted to restrict some permissible matters for the public good. If the poor are compelled to collect dry wood, they are allowed to do so, provided they are not causing mischief. This is because they have not violated the interest behind the prohibition of cutting trees. Obedience to the ruler in matters not contrary to Sharia (definition) is obligatory if disobedience leads to great corruption. Furthermore, observers should be lenient with the weak, just as Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) ordered leniency with the owners of small flocks and herds in the protected pasture (hima), while being strict with owners of numerous camels.