Islam is a religion that offers a complete framework for life. It divides everything into specific categories that ensure Muslims know the rules regarding everything. Similarly, it also has special categories for different actions that Muslims perform in their daily lives. These categories help evaluate each action and define what is acceptable and what is not. Keeping this in mind, this blog will delve deeper into the concept of Makrooh, its significance in Islam, and what the scriptures state about it.
What Does Makrooh Mean?
Makrooh is an Arabic word derived from the root word ‘karh’, which means ‘to find something ugly’ or ‘not to want something’. The word makrooh translates to ‘dislike’ or ‘undesirable.’ In Islamic Shariah, it means actions that are discouraged but not haram. If people avoid them out of obedience, they will be rewarded, but they won’t be sinful if they commit these actions. Although it is important to remember that these actions should be avoided to maintain a strong relationship with faith
Origin Of Makrooh
To understand the origin of makrooh, it is essential to understand the basic principles of Shariah. Terms like makrooh come under the category of ‘rulings.’ These terms indicate the nature of an act in Islam. Sometimes, if the ruling of a thing is compulsory, it will be represented by ‘Farz’ (obligatory). If it is the practice of Prophet PBUH, it will be ‘sunnah.’ And sometimes, the action is neither obligatory nor sunnah; therefore, it is represented by the term ‘Makrooh.’
During the time of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, the Quran was revealed to him with many orders and prohibitions. At that time, the companions would listen to these verses, and the Prophet PBUH would guide them in understanding them. Similarly, they could also hear Prophet Muhammad’s speeches, observe his actions, and ask questions about anything that happened to them. Therefore, the companions never looked into a certain act’s different levels or degrees. They just looked at the Prophet PBUH, observed his actions, and tried to adopt his mannerisms daily.
As time passed, the latter generations started to look into the degrees of different rulings regarding different actions. If a practice or action of the Prophet PBUH was narrated, they wanted to know if it was compulsory, sunnah, optional, etc. For example, when the Prophet PBUH used the siwak, the question regarding this action was, “Is it compulsory to use it?”. “Is one a sinner if he doesn’t use it?” and so on. Therefore, the grand scholars of Islam stated different terms and defined them to explain the degree of a ruling of certain practices.
Different laws were derived from the Quran and Sunnah similarly for permissible and prohibited actions. There are many conditions for prohibited actions, such as:
- Some actions are prohibited because there is a direct command in the scriptures that labels that action as ‘haram.’
- Sometimes, there isn’t a direct command, but the dangers are highlighted when performing a certain action.
- Some actions may become unlawful due to Allah’s dislike for them.
In light of all the above, one thing to remember is that the term ‘haram’ can only be used to represent actions with a clear-cut prohibition about them in the Shariah. Along with actions that have clear proof, other actions are disliked and discouraged in Islam, but there is no clear-cut evidence of prohibition for them. In such cases, the jurists have used the term ‘makrooh’ to represent these actions, which is to discourage the believer from performing them. The term ‘makrooh’ has been utilized by the esteemed scholars of the Salafus Saaliheen (Pious Predecessors).
Types Of Makrooh
According to the Hanafi school of thought, there are two types of makrooh. Makruh e Tanzihan and Makruh e Tahriman.
Makruh e Tanzihan
Makruh e Tanzihan or Makruh e Tanzihi is the type of makruh that is detested in Shariah but doesn’t have a punishment if one carries it out. On the spectrum of mubah (lawful) to haram (unlawful), Makruh e Tanzihan is closer to mubah than haram. Some examples of Makruh e Tanzihan are:
- Using an excess amount of water while doing wudu (ablution).
- Being extremely miserly with water while doing Wudu.
- Consuming horse meat.
- Not taking a bath on Fridays.
Ruling Of Makruh e Tanzihan
The one who does it won’t be punished. However, the one who abstains from it will be rewarded. However, if one habitually performs Makruh e Tanzihan, it is considered offensive.
Makruh e Tahriman
Makruh e Tahriman, or Makruh e Tahrimi, is the type of makruh that is a command for abstinence, and the evidence for this is established through speculative proof. On the spectrum of mubah and haram, Makruh e Tahriman is closer to haram than mubah. Some examples of Makruh e Tahriman are:
- Fasting on the day of Eid ul Fitr.
- Delaying the Asr prayer until the sun changes its color.
- Using utensils made of gold and silver for both men and women.
- Buying and selling will occur when the Friday prayer adhan takes place.
Ruling Of Makruh e Tahriman
If one doesn’t refrain from Makruh e Tahriman, it is a sin, and the person will be punished. Although the punishment would be less than the punishment of committing a haram. And the person who refrains from Makruh e Tahriman will earn a reward.
Is It Unlawful To Persist In Doing Makrooh Actions?
Actions that are disliked remain so and do not become unlawful simply due to repeated engagement in them. A disregard for sacred law is inherently illegal, and it is important to always respect the nature of the actions one undertakes.