The Terminology of Shariat

All subjects have some of their own terminologies. Islamic shariat has also its own terminologies. It is possible to realize the phase wise impwrtance of the rules and regulations of Islamic Shariat through these terminologies.

Farz

There are certain rules of Shariat which must be obeyed. To discard those with negligence is an act of faithlessness. And if these are not performed by one out of idleness, one will be strongly punished. Rules and regulations of this kind are called ‘faraz’.

Wajib

There are certain rules of Shariat which everybody ought to follow. There is providion for punishment in the case of breaking these laws. Rules of this kind are called ‘Wajib’

Sunnat

There are some acts which the great Prophet (Sm) himself performed and instructed his Ummats (the followers) tof perform. Provision of punishment is also there for not performing them. Besides these, are some acts which were done the Prophet (Sm) but he did not insist his Ummats on doing so. Both of these acts are known as the Prophet’s Sunnat.

Mustahab

Theose good activities are Mustshab which Rasulullah (Sm) inspired his Ummats to perform.
We have come to know from this discussion that the terminologis of Shariat are four (a) Farz (b) Wajib (c) Sunnah and (d) Mustahab. We will now discuss these terminologies in detail.


Farz

The activities which according to the documents of the Quran and the Sunnah must be performed and not subject to violation, are called Faraz. The Faraz activities can not be discared in any way. It is great sin not to perform the ‘Farz’ activities, and the person who refuses to do so is a Kafir.
Faraz is of two kinds: (1) Farz-e-A’in and (2) Faraz_e_Kafir.
The Farz activities which each Muslim has to perform individually are called Farz-e-A’in Faraz –e-A’in can not be left without any reasonable cause as per Shariat For example, to estabkish salat five times a day, to observe ‘Saum’ (keep fasting) during the month of Ramadan, to pay zakat, to perform Hajj (the pilgrimage ) once in a life – time on the part of a wealthy and health person ctc. It is a serious sin not to perform the Faraz-e-A’in.

If some Muslims in society perform an act which is obligatory (Farz) on all the Muslims, the rest are not liable for it. Activities of this kind are called ‘Farz-e-Kefaya, the Salatul janaza, jiha’d etc.


Wajib

Wajib is near to Farz and must be obeyed. It is not proved by the absolute document or the Quran. As wajub is near to Farz, it must be performed.if anybody does not obey Wajib, he/she will not be a kafir, but will be a serious sin. It is essential to perform ‘Sijdah Sahu’ in thew case of giving-up the Wajib activities in salat, otherwise, it is Wajib to perform again. It is WaJIB TO SSSAY EIDUL Fitr, Eidul- Adhaand Salatul Witr.

Sunnat

The activities which ought to be performed by the Muslims as directed by the great Prophet (Sm) and his Sahabis (the followers) are called Sunnats. Sunnat is of two kinds : (1) Sunnat –e-Muakkada and (2) Sunnat –e-Zaida or Gair Muallada.

The kinds of iba’dat (worship) which the great Prophet (Sm) always used to perform by himself and insisted other on performing these are called Sunnat-e-muallada. Sinch it is near to Wajib it should be performed. It is a sin to give up Sunnat-e-Muakkada without any reason. To say salat of two Rakat of Sunnat before Farz of Fajr prayer, four Rakats before Farz of Zuhr prayers –all are Sunnat-e-Muakkada. Azan (the call for prayer) and Iqamat are also Sunnat-e-Muakkada

The activities which the great Prophet (Sm) sometimes would perform and sometimes gave up and did not insist on doing these are called aSunnat-e-Gair Muallada. For ezample. To say prayer of four Rakats of Sunnat before Farz of A’sr and Isha prayer is termed Sunnat-e-Gair Muakkada.

Mustahab

Rasulullah (Sm) has inspired his Ummat to perform some activities. It is a virtue to perform these activities but there is no sin for performing them. These activities are called Mustahab.The kinds of iba’dat in addition to Farz, Wajib and Sunnat are regarded as Mustahab. Mustahab is also known as. ‘Nafal’ or Mandoob’.