The Categories of Deeds in Islam: From Obligation to Discouragement

In this chapter, the author discusses the foundational categories of Islamic legal actions — fard (paryz), wajib, sunnah, mustahabb, mubah, haram, makruh, and mafsad — not merely as legal designations, but as a spiritual compass guiding believers toward inner harmony and ethical living.

Core message:

“Sharia is not restriction — it is order. The soul seeks not burden, but structure.”

Each classification is designed to cultivate rhythm and purpose in daily life, aligning actions with divine intention. The author illustrates the terms with relatable examples:

– Fard (paryz) — strictly obligatory.
Example: “Prayer is fard. It disciplines both time and heart.”

– Wajib — nearly obligatory.
Example: “Sacrificing on Eid is wajib — a gesture of gratitude.”

– Sunnah — the prophetic way.
Example: “Breaking fast with a date is sunnah — a beautiful expression of intention.”

– Mustahabb — recommended.
– Mubah — permissible and neutral.
– Haram — strictly forbidden.
– Makruh — discouraged, but not sinful.
– Mafsad — leads to corruption and spiritual decline.

The chapter emphasizes that sharia does not eliminate freedom; it channels it into conscious, responsible action.