The Difference Between Ma‘zur and Majbur

Question

What is the difference between “ma‘zur” (excused) and “majbur” (compelled)?

Answer

In our customary usage, a ma‘zur is one whose obstacle to fulfilling a ruling does not come from [other] people (min jihat al-‘ibad), but is of a natural [“heavenly”] origin — for example, someone in the wilderness where there is no water: he is excused and may perform tayammum.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.