Rukhsah

A concession: permission to do the easier thing when a recognised excuse applies.

Also written · Rukhsa · Rukhsat · Rukhas · Ruhsat · Rukhsah shar'iyyah · concession · dispensation · exemption · relief · allowance · easing

The meaning

What Rukhsah means in Islam

Shortening prayer while travelling, breaking the fast when ill, and wiping over socks are all rukhsah. The Qur'an states plainly that Allah intends ease for you and does not intend hardship, and the Prophet is reported to have said Allah loves His concessions to be taken as He loves His commands to be obeyed. Taking a concession you genuinely qualify for is not weakness, and refusing one out of scruple is not extra piety.

Evidence · Qur’an · Stated directly in the Qur’an

Read beside it

Words that sit beside it

'AzimahThe original ruling, before any concession applies: the default rather than the exception.عَزيمة
DarurahNecessity: the state in which something forbidden becomes permitted in order to preserve life.ضَرورة
QasrShortening the four-rak'ah prayers to two while travelling, and combining two prayers in one time.قَصْرُ الصَّلاة
FidyahFeeding a poor person for each fast that a person is permanently unable to keep or make up.فِدْيَة