Mustahab (neither encouraged nor discouraged, recommended but not essential)
Halal (blessed, allowed)
Makruh (disliked, offensive)
Haram (forbidden)
The five categories
Derived from scholarly interpretation of the sources of shari'a and a guide for Muslims to lead their lives based on the revealed knowledge of God in the Qur'an and the examples of Muhammad
The five categories
Provide a guidance for Muslims to follow the 'straight path' and a framework to base their lives around when faced with moral dilemmas and choices
Examples of the five categories
Daily salah prayer, said 5 times a day, is fard (compulsory)
Eating meat slaughtered under the name of God is halal (blessed, allowed)
Eating pork is considered haram (forbidden)
Drinking alcohol is considered haram (forbidden)
Muslims put a great deal of importance on these categories in their daily lives
Much time and effort are spent looking at the ingredients of foods for example
A Muslim might not take a job if the environment was considered disapproved or even haram, such as it involved selling alcohol
Circumstances can change categories
Because they are based on principles such as doing what is best to avoid harm and promote health
A Muslim might be allowed to use alcohol in a medicine, even though it is normally considered forbidden
The categories are derived in shari'a and often were decided in detail through the consensus of scholars (ijma)
Views on following the five categories
Some Muslims believe it is important to follow this and this gives guidance based on the true sources of Islam, interpreted by people who know best
Others make their own interpretations preferring to rely on their own conscience and what they feel is best for them given their situation
Various schools of shari'a grew up over the years meaning there is no single interpretation of the five categories
There are also differences according to sect, between sunni and shi'a scholars who may interpret things with their own emphasis
"Anaction is only as good, bad, sacred, or profane as the intention which engenders it and the attitude which underpins it" - Turner