An optional obligation is when a duty-bound person has to...

An optional obligation is when a duty-bound person has to choose to carry out one of two, three, or more actions, such as the right of choosing between performing the Friday prayer or the Midday Prayer or the right of choosing one of three atonements that are made for breaking the fast on a Ramadhan day. Absolute And Contingent Obligations An absolute obligation is an action that does not have any conditions or requirements, such as the obligation to answer a greeting.

A contingent obligation is an action the carrying out of which is contingent upon certain conditions, such as the ritual hajj pilgrimage, which is conditional upon having the means and wherewithal. Confirmed And Pending Obligations A confirmed obligation is an action that is presently required, such as repaying a debt when its due time has arrived.

A pending obligation is an action that is required in the future or after a period, such as repaying a debt within two months or going to Mecca during the hajj season. Divine And Rational Obligations A divine obligation is an action that is deemed obligatory by the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah. A rational obligation is an action that is logically required.

For example, if in the law of Islam performing the ritual hajj and ‘umrah is obligatory, the logic of a duty-bound person will see it necessary to prepare the essentials of this journey. Thus, to perform the ritual hajj and ‘umrah is divinely obligatory, while to ready oneself for its journey is rationally obligatory.

Theologically, to act kindly towards a kind person, to thank a favor, to refrain from oppression, to stop telling lies—all these and their likes are ordered by reason, whether they are deemed obligatory in the law of Islam or not.

Authoritative And Directive Obligations An authoritative obligation is any action that is deemed obligatory through an order issued by a person the obedience to whom is obligatory, such as the Holy Prophet, the Holy Imams, and persons appointed on their behalf, if the order has been independently issued by that person on the strength of such necessary matters like the demands of common interest A directive obligation is an action that is deemed obligatory because instructs to perform an obligatory matter.

For example, if the supreme religious authority orders the recruitment of an army, waging war, or ceasefire, these orders are authoritative obligations.