Shari'ah and Its Five Categories

Overview

Recall questions on the Twelver school of law, the higher aims Shari'ah protects and the five categories into which every action falls.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What are the higher aims of Shari’ah said to protect?

   Model answer

   Religion, life, intellect, family and property.

2. 2

   Name the five categories into which Shari’ah classifies every action.

   Model answer

   Obligatory, recommended, permitted, disapproved and forbidden.

3. 3

   Explain the obligatory category and give an example.

   Model answer

   These acts must be done, bringing reward when performed and sin when omitted, as with the five daily prayers.

4. 4

   Explain the recommended category and give an example.

   Model answer

   These acts bring reward when done but no blame when left, as with voluntary night prayer or charity beyond zakat.

5. 5

   Explain the permitted category and give an example.

   Model answer

   These are actions God has left free, carrying neither reward nor blame in themselves, such as which lawful food a person chooses.

6. 6

   Explain the disapproved category and give an example.

   Model answer

   These acts are better avoided and bring reward when avoided, but are not punished if done, such as wasting water during wudu.

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