Shar‘i and Practical Review of Using a Gas Pressure Machine
❖ Question:
Is it permissible to install a gas pressure machine when there is a severe gas shortage and the government fails to maintain proper pressure?
❖ Answer by: Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir ḥafiẓahullāh
◈ In the past, the use of gas pressure machines was met with strong criticism from scholars, as it was believed to violate the rights of neighbors.
◈ However, current circumstances have changed significantly. Gas shortages have become widespread, and it has become nearly impossible to cook without such machines.
◈ Gas has become a basic necessity in today's world—similar to how water pumps became necessary after manual water access became impractical.
◈ In apartments and densely populated areas, burning wood or using alternative fuels is not feasible, making gas pressure machines a practical and unavoidable solution.
◈ As for neighbors’ rights, gas pressure machines are generally used for limited durations (around 1 to 1.5 hours).
◈ If the machine operates on normal pressure and is used only for essential needs within a limited timeframe, there is no harm or infringement of others’ rights.
◈ Neighbors’ rights do not necessitate sharing every available resource.
For example, owning a vehicle while another neighbor does not is not considered injustice or unfairness.
◈ Similarly, benefiting from a gas pressure machine within one’s lawful and moderate use does not violate anyone's rights.
◈ Although the government discourages or restricts the use of pressure machines, there is no practical enforcement or viable alternative provided.
◈ Until the government offers a reliable and equitable solution, the public may continue using gas pressure machines out of necessity.
✔ Installing a gas pressure machine is permissible under current conditions, provided that:
• The machine operates on normal pressure.
• It is used for limited periods only.
• It does not cause explicit harm or deprivation to others.
• The government has not provided an effective alternative solution.
❖ Question:
Is it permissible to install a gas pressure machine when there is a severe gas shortage and the government fails to maintain proper pressure?
❖ Answer by: Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir ḥafiẓahullāh
➊ Earlier Objections vs. Current Realities
◈ In the past, the use of gas pressure machines was met with strong criticism from scholars, as it was believed to violate the rights of neighbors.
◈ However, current circumstances have changed significantly. Gas shortages have become widespread, and it has become nearly impossible to cook without such machines.
➋ Necessity and Modern Living
◈ Gas has become a basic necessity in today's world—similar to how water pumps became necessary after manual water access became impractical.
◈ In apartments and densely populated areas, burning wood or using alternative fuels is not feasible, making gas pressure machines a practical and unavoidable solution.
➌ Rights of Neighbors and Machine Usage
◈ As for neighbors’ rights, gas pressure machines are generally used for limited durations (around 1 to 1.5 hours).
◈ If the machine operates on normal pressure and is used only for essential needs within a limited timeframe, there is no harm or infringement of others’ rights.
➍ On Neighbors' Objections
◈ Neighbors’ rights do not necessitate sharing every available resource.
For example, owning a vehicle while another neighbor does not is not considered injustice or unfairness.
◈ Similarly, benefiting from a gas pressure machine within one’s lawful and moderate use does not violate anyone's rights.
➎ Government Restrictions and Practicality
◈ Although the government discourages or restricts the use of pressure machines, there is no practical enforcement or viable alternative provided.
◈ Until the government offers a reliable and equitable solution, the public may continue using gas pressure machines out of necessity.
❖ Summary:
✔ Installing a gas pressure machine is permissible under current conditions, provided that:
• The machine operates on normal pressure.
• It is used for limited periods only.
• It does not cause explicit harm or deprivation to others.
• The government has not provided an effective alternative solution.
