From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article or section needs copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone or spelling. You can assist by editing it now. A how-to guide is available.

Ahkam (Arabic: أحكام plural of Arabic: حكم) refers to the Islamic commandments which are derived and understood from religious jurisprudence resources (Arabic: المنابع الفقه). Ahkam can be categorized from various points of view.

The acts of a Muslim must be done according to Islamic commandments. These commandments are categorized logically in five groups which form a pentad and are called as commandments pentad or (Arabic: الاحكام الخمسة).^[clarify] They show how performing or abstaining from certain actions can be categorized as being obligatory or recommended in Islamic law. According to Islamic terminology they are as follows:

1. Wajib, obligatory; also known as: fard, rukn
2. Mustahabb, recommended, also known as fadilah, mandub
3. Mubah, neither obligatory nor recommended (neutral)
4. Makruh, abominable (abstaining is recommended)
5. Haraam, prohibited (abstaining is obligatory)

Religious precepts may be relaxed under certain extraordinary conditions. For example, although Muslims are required to fast during Ramadan, it may be acceptable for an ill man to break his fast if he is certain that fasting will worsen his illness.

Also considering the social and public aspects of certain actions, the Islamic commandment for a society may become different from the one for an individual. For example, according to various verses of the Quran,^[1] Muslims are required to carry weapons, but the Islamic state can prohibit or limit weapons to ensure security in the society. This will lead to other categorization of Ahkam as follows:^[clarify]

1. Primary commandments, in the normal condition, for personal affairs
2. Secondary commandments, in the emergency condition (Arabic: اضطرار), for personal affairs
3. State commandments, for public affairs

• Islam: An Introduction