Does pressing need (hajah) hold the same status as dire necessity (darurah)?

Question : The point is that it is given the status of dire necessity, whether that necessity is general or specific.

Answer : No, no, that is not correct. It is not given that status. Rather, pressing need may permit what is forbidden if the prohibition is one of means, such as the issue of 'araya. Most students know about 'araya. 'Araya is selling fresh dates on the palm trees in exchange for old dates, under its known conditions. This involves riba al-fadl (usury of excess in a like-for-like exchange), but it was permitted due to pressing need. Likewise, looking at a woman during a marriage proposal: the prohibition of looking is a prohibition of means, so pressing need permits it.