Fiqh Categories: Fard, Wajib, Sunnah, Mubah, Makruh, Haram

The Five Legal Rulings (Al-Ahkam al-Khamsa)

1. Fard/Wajib (واجب) — Obligatory

Performing earns reward. Omitting is sinful.

Examples: 5 daily prayers, Zakat, Ramadan fasting, Hajj

Fard vs Wajib (Hanafi distinction):

2. Mustahabb/Sunnah (سنة) — Recommended

Performing earns reward. Omitting has no sin.

Examples: Sunnah prayers, Miswaak, greeting with salam

3. Mubah (مباح) — Permissible

Neutral — no reward or sin.

Examples: Most food, clothing choices, leisure activities

4. Makruh (مكروه) — Disliked

Avoiding earns reward. Doing incurs no sin (but displeases Allah).

Examples: Eating garlic before prayer, wasting water in wudu

5. Haram (حرام) — Prohibited

Avoiding earns reward. Doing is sinful.

Examples: Pork, alcohol, riba, adultery, backbiting

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