Farz and Wajib

Read the bilingual lesson for Farz and Wajib and test your understanding with a focused quiz.

Lesson

1. Farz and Wajib: A Hanafi Distinction

In Hanafi Fiqh, Farz and Wajib are two distinct technical categories.
This distinction belongs specifically to Hanafi terminology.
Other juristic schools do not always use the two terms in exactly the same way.

2. First Rule: Both Are Binding

Before learning the difference, fix one point clearly:
Both Farz and Wajib are binding in Hanafi Fiqh.
So Wajib is not optional.
The distinction is not 'binding versus optional.'

3. Farz: Binding + Decisive Evidence

In Hanafi terminology, Farz is identified by 2 points:
1. The ruling is binding.
2. It is established by decisive evidence.
A simple memory formula is:
Farz = binding ruling + decisive evidence.

4. What Does 'Decisive Evidence' Mean Here?

In this level, decisive evidence means evidence that gives certainty in establishing the ruling.
You do not need a longer technical discussion yet.
For now, remember only that this level connects Farz with a higher level of evidentiary certainty.

5. Wajib: Binding, but the Evidence Is Not at Farz's Decisive Level

In Hanafi terminology, Wajib is also binding.
The difference is in the evidence:
Its evidence is not at the same decisive level as the evidence establishing Farz.
So the memory formula is:
Wajib = binding ruling + evidence below Farz's decisive level.

6. Farz and Wajib Side by Side

EvidenceBinding?Category
Decisive evidenceYesFarz
Not at Farz's decisive levelYesWajib

The central contrast in this level is therefore evidentiary certainty, not obligation versus choice.

7. Avoid Two Common Mistakes

Do not make either of these mistakes:
1. 'Wajib is different from Farz, so Wajib is optional.' — incorrect in the Hanafi scope taught here.
2. 'Every madhhab must use Farz and Wajib exactly like this.' — this lesson does not claim that.
Keep the distinction inside its stated Hanafi terminology.

8. Level Summary

Remember these 5 points:
1. The distinction taught here is a Hanafi terminological distinction.
2. Both Farz and Wajib are binding.
3. Farz is established by decisive evidence.
4. Wajib is binding, but its evidence is not at Farz's decisive level.
5. The difference taught here concerns evidentiary certainty, not whether the act is binding.

Practice questions

Question 1

According to which juristic terminology is the Farz-Wajib distinction taught in this level?

Hanafi terminology
Terminology necessarily identical in every madhhab
Everyday non-juristic usage

Question 2

Which statement about Farz and Wajib is correct in the Hanafi scope taught here?

Both are binding
Farz is binding but Wajib is optional
Both are optional

Question 3

Which formula correctly identifies Farz in this lesson?

Binding ruling + decisive evidence
Optional act + decisive evidence
Binding ruling + no evidence

Question 4

What does 'decisive evidence' mean in this level?

Evidence that gives certainty in establishing the ruling
Any personal preference
A customary practice only

Question 5

Which description correctly identifies Wajib in this lesson?

A binding ruling whose evidence is not at Farz's decisive level
A merely optional act
A ruling with more decisive evidence than Farz

Question 6

Match each item to the correct explanation.

Question 7

A learner says, 'Wajib is different from Farz, so Wajib is optional.' What is the correction?

Both are binding; the basic difference taught here concerns evidentiary certainty
Yes, Wajib is merely optional
There is no distinction at all in Hanafi terminology

Question 8

A learner says, 'Every madhhab must distinguish Farz and Wajib exactly like this.' Which response fits this level?

This level states the distinction in Hanafi terminology; other schools do not always use the terms the same way
Yes, every madhhab necessarily uses the terms identically
The terms have no juristic meaning

Question 9

What is the central difference between Farz and Wajib taught in this level?

The certainty level of the evidence establishing the ruling
One is binding and the other is optional
One belongs to Fiqh and the other does not

Question 10

Which summary best describes this level?

In Hanafi terminology both Farz and Wajib are binding; Farz is established by decisive evidence, while Wajib's evidence is not at that decisive level
Farz is binding and Wajib is optional
Farz and Wajib have no terminological distinction in Hanafi Fiqh

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