The Integration of Usul Al-Fiqh in the Granting Rukhsah in Prayer to Patients in Muslim-Friendly Hospital: A Review Based on the Perspective Shafi’i School of Thought

This study aims to examine the integration of Usul Fiqh principles in the granting of rukhsah (legal concessions) for prayer to patients in Muslim-friendly hospitals, based on the perspective of the Shafi‘i school of thought. In modern healthcare settings, patients often face limitations in performing prayers perfectly due to physical constraints and health conditions. Islam, through the concept of rukhsah, provides certain flexibilities in the performance of religious obligations, including prayer, for such individuals. This study focuses on how principles of Usul Fiqh, such as al-mashaqqah tajlib al-taysir (hardship begets ease), necessity (darurah), and istihsan (juridical preference), are applied to justify legal concessions in hospital contexts. The main objectives of this study are to identify the methods of determining prayer concessions according to the Shafi‘i school, to analyze practices in Muslim-friendly hospitals, and to assess the level of understanding and implementation of rukhsah among patients. It is hoped that this study will provide both authoritative and practical guidance for healthcare practitioners and patients in fulfilling the obligation of prayer under challenging circumstances, while also reinforcing awareness of the significance of worship within a Shariah-based holistic treatment framework.