Difference between Makruh and Haram

Question: 9084

What is the meaning of makruh? And what is the difference between makruh and haram?

Summary of answer

Makruh means that which the Lawgiver asks us not to do, but not in a definitive manner. Haram means that which the Lawgiver requires us not to do, in a definitive manner.

Answer

Table Of Contents

Meaning of makruh
Meaning of haram

Meaning of makruh

Makruh in Arabic means the opposite of liked or loved.

In the terminology of shari’ah , makruh means that which the Lawgiver asks us not to do, but not in a definitive manner. It may be said that it means that for which the person who does not do it out of obedience will be rewarded, but the one who does it will not be punished.

Meaning of haram

Haram in Arabic means forbidden.

In the terminology of shari’ah, haram means that which the Lawgiver requires us not to do, in a definitive manner. Haram is the opposite of halal (permitted). A person will be rewarded for not doing that which is haram, if he does so out of obedience, and not out of fear, shyness or the inability to do it; in those cases he will not be rewarded for not doing it.

For more, please see these answers: 180341 , 217272 , and 149492 .

And Allah knows best.

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Source:

Sharh al-Waraqaat fi Usool al-Fiqh by ‘Abd –Allaah al-Fawzaan, 29-30