Quranic Guidance on Removing Hardship

Abstract

This research examined Quranic guidance on verses that address the removal of hardship, a critical yet underexplored aspect of Islamic law. Sharia, as articulated in the Quran, is fundamentally intended to alleviate hardships and promote ease for adherents. Despite its significance, the principle of alleviating hardship in Islamic law remains insufficiently explored in contemporary scholarship. This study aims to comprehensively analyse Quranic verses that explicitly address the removal of hardship («haraj») to uncover the underlying principles of ease in Sharia. Using a descriptive-analytical approach, the research integrated insights from classical Tafsir (exegesis) to provide a deeper understanding of these verses. The findings confirm that Sharia prioritises the removal of hardship unconditionally, thereby reinforcing the principle of ease as a universal maxim in Islamic law. These conclusions highlight the compassionate foundations of Sharia and its role in promoting overall well-being. This study offers valuable insights into contemporary applications of Islamic law, highlighting its relevance in addressing the challenges of modern society.

Keywords: Guidance; The Quran; verses; removing hardship; Sharia