The Five Categories of Ethical Action

• The Five Categories of Ethical Action

  • Fard (compulsory)
  • Mustahab (neither encouraged nor discouraged, recommended but not essential)
  • Halal (blessed, allowed)
  • Makruh (disliked, offensive)
  • Haram (forbidden)
• Mustahab


  Neither encouraged nor discouraged, recommended but not essential
• Halal


  Blessed, allowed
• Makruh


  Disliked, offensive
• These five categories are derived from scholarly interpretation of the sources of shari'a and are 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, which 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
• 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
• The categories are derived in shari'a and often were decided in detail through the consensus of scholars (ijma)
• 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
• Different 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