Examples of permissible acts are countless and innumerable in the life of a man.

Examples of permissible acts are countless and innumerable in the life of a man. For instance, a mukallaf is free to choose the work that best suits him/her. He is free to do research and think about the sciences of nature and life. He is free to select the suitable system to run the social and political offices and establishments; to determine the food, clothing, and residence he likes…etc.

He is also free to use what suits his inclinations, circumstances and abilities…on the condition that all his actions should not exceed the limits and exceptions set by Islam. It is worth mentioning that the sphere of the permitted (Mubah) is the widest among the daily social human behaviours, for all acts are, as a rule, permitted according to the most well-known religious judgment. Everything is permissible except the one forbidden by Divine law.

2- THE RECOMMENDED (MUSTAHAB) It is any act that the Muslim is urged to do, whereby he is viewed as a performer of the good and so deserves a divine reward and Allah’s pleasure. But no punishment is set for anyone who leaves it or considers it easy, because, if done, its fruits will be to his benefit, and if left or ignored no harm will result from it. In the life of the individual or a group, mustahabb acts are numerous.

Greeting others, paying visits to friends and neighbours, giving alms, being tidy and elegant, and many rites like dua (supplication), night prayers, fasting during the holy months of Rajab and Sha`ban, and reciting the Qur’an, are but a few examples of recommended acts. The recommended deeds in Islam uplift man to a lofty spiritual position and make him do the maximum possible acts of good in his life on earth to obtain Allah’s pleasure in the Hereafter.

The Muslim does the recommended deeds out of a sublime moral motivation, without the slightest feelings of fear or coercion. He is propelled by love and longing to walk on the path leading to perfection and continuous enrichment in this life. 3- THE DISAPPROVED BUT NOT UNLAWFUL (MAKRUH) Makruh could be defined as an act a Muslim, is urged to avoid although it is not unlawful. It is preferable to avoid such acts in the interests of self or society.

However, Islam does not set a punishment for the Muslim who does it, because it is not considered haram. Islam stops short of making it haram, and only urges the Muslim to avoid it, as it is likely to lead to harm or corruption.