Farz and Wajib

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

Lesson

1. This Is a Hanafi Distinction

In Hanafi Fiqh, Farz and Wajib are two distinct technical categories. Other juristic schools do not always distinguish the two terms in the same way.

The Farz-Wajib distinction described here therefore belongs to Hanafi terminology.

2. Both Are Binding

In Hanafi Fiqh, both Farz and Wajib are binding; Wajib is not optional.

The distinction is not between binding and optional; it concerns the certainty of the evidence establishing the ruling.

3. Farz: Binding Ruling and Decisive Evidence

In Hanafi terminology, Farz is a binding ruling established by decisive evidence. Decisive evidence means evidence that gives certainty in establishing the ruling.

Remember briefly: Farz = a binding ruling established by decisive evidence.

4. Wajib: Binding, with a Different Level of Evidence

In Hanafi terminology, Wajib is also a binding ruling, but the evidence establishing it does not have the same decisive certainty as the evidence for Farz. This difference in evidentiary certainty distinguishes Wajib from Farz.

Remember briefly: Wajib = a binding ruling whose evidence is not at the decisive level of Farz.

Practice questions

Question 1

According to which juristic terminology is this distinction between Farz and Wajib?

  • Hanafi terminology
  • Terminology that is necessarily identical in every madhhab
  • Non-juristic everyday usage

Question 2

In Hanafi Fiqh, both Farz and Wajib are binding categories.

Question 3

In Hanafi terminology, which category is identified by both a binding ruling and decisive evidence?

  • Wajib
  • Farz
  • Mustahabb

Question 4

In Hanafi terminology, which category is binding although its evidence is not at the decisive level of Farz?

  • Farz
  • Wajib
  • Mustahabb

Question 5

A learner says, 'Wajib differs from Farz, so Wajib is optional.' What is the correct response?

  • This is incorrect; in Hanafi Fiqh both are binding, and the basic distinction concerns evidentiary certainty.
  • This is correct; in Hanafi Fiqh Wajib is merely a recommended act.
  • There is no Hanafi terminological distinction between Farz and Wajib.

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