📚 Faraid: Definition, Etymology, and Background
Faraid (plural of fard or farḍ in Arabic: فرائض, Sing. فَرْض) refers to the obligatory duties commanded by Allah in Islam. These essential obligations are crucial for practicing Muslims and cover both ritualistic and legal aspects. Here is a deeper look into the concept:
Definition
- Ritual Duties: Faraid encompasses the five daily prayers (Salah), giving alms (Zakat), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), and the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj).
- Inheritance Laws: It also refers to the specific, codified shares of inheritances among heirs as detailed in the Quran.
- Sufi Practices: Within Sufi orders, Faraid can include specific rituals like meditation, contemplation, movement, singing, recitation, prayer, repetition, music, and dance.
Etymology
The term “Faraid” derives from the Arabic root word “ف-ر-ض” (f-r-ḍ), meaning to impose an obligation or to prescribe. This etymological root emphasizes the concept of duties mandated by divine command.
Historical Facts and Dates
- The concept of Faraid in terms of prayers and fasting originated from revelations received by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century.
- The detailed inheritance laws were revealed in stages and are enumerated in Surahs such as An-Nisa (4:11-12, 4:176).
Cultural Differences and Similarities
- Synonyms: Farā’iḍ, Fard (Singular)
- Antonyms: Nafl (non-obligatory or supererogatory acts), Mandub (recommended acts), Makruh (discouraged acts)
- Related Terms with Definitions:
- Fard al-Ayn: Obligations that each individual Muslim must fulfill (e.g., fasting, daily prayers).
- Fard al-Kifayah: Communal obligations that if fulfilled by some, others are absolved (e.g., positions in jihad, conducting funerals).
Exciting Facts
- The five pillars of Islam collectively form the core of Faraid that every Muslim is required to observe.
- Faraid in the context of inheritance ensures equitable distribution of assets amongst heirs, reflecting the Quranic mandate against injustice and exploitation.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“The prescribed roles and duties in Islam are not but pathways leading to divine proximity.” - Al-Ghazali
Additional Translations
- Arabic: فرائض (Faraid)
- Urdu: فرائض
- Turkish: Fariz
- Persian: واجبات (Wajebat)
- Bengali: ফারাইদ (Faraid)
Suggest Literature and Sources for Further Studies and Inspiration
- “Reclaim Your Heart” by Yasmin Mogahed
- “In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad” by Tariq Ramadan
- “The Study Quran” - A new translation and commentary by Seyyed Hossein Nasr and team
- Classical Islamic Jurisprudence texts by Imam Al-Shafi’i and Imam Malik.
### What does the term "Faraid" primarily denote?
- [x] Obligatory ritual duties commanded by God.
- [ ] Optional good deeds.
- [ ] Cultural practices.
- [ ] Forbidden actions.
> **Explanation:** Faraid refers to the fundamental obligatory duties Muslims are required to perform as dictated by Islamic teachings.
### The etymology of the term "Faraid" is rooted in which Arabic letters?
- [x] ف-ر-ض
- [ ] ح-ب-ن
- [ ] ق-ر-ب
- [ ] ل-م-ع
> **Explanation:** The root "f-r-ḍ" in Arabic means to impose or to make obligatory, which directly connects to the duties encompassed by Faraid.
### Which pillar of Islam is NOT part of Faraid?
- [ ] Salah (Prayer)
- [ ] Zakat (Charity)
- [ ] Hajj (Pilgrimage)
- [x] Khilafah (Caliphate)
> **Explanation:** Khilafah, the system of governance, is not among the five pillars of Islam that form obligatory components of Faraid. The pillars are Salah, Zakat, Sawm, Hajj, and Shahada (faith).
### In Islam, Faraid in inheritance refers to:
- [x] Specific shares in estates mandated by the Quran.
- [ ] Voluntary donation to the community.
- [ ] General concept of charitable distribution.
- [ ] An individual's will.
> **Explanation:** Faraid refers to the specific, predefined shares in an estate that heirs are entitled to, as prescribed in the Quranic verses.
### Which of these practices are part of the Faraid in Sufi traditions?
- [x] Meditation and contemplation
- [ ] Business transactions
- [ ] Feasting
- [ ] Political engagements
> **Explanation:** Sufi orders often include practices like meditation, contemplation, and various forms of dhikr (remembrance of God) as part of their Faraid.
### How does "Fard al-Ayn" differ from "Fard al-Kifayah"?
- [x] Fard al-Ayn are individual obligations, and Fard al-Kifayah are communal.
- [ ] Fard al-Ayn are forbidden acts while Fard al-Kifayah are obligatory.
- [ ] Fard al-Ayn are recommended acts while Fard al-Kifayah are permitted.
- [ ] Fard al-Ayn are for scholars only, and Fard al-Kifayah for all Muslims.
> **Explanation:** Fard al-Ayn are acts that every Muslim must perform individually, whereas Fard al-Kifayah are communal obligations, where if some members of the community perform them, others are absolved.
### Which of the following is a synonym for Faraid?
- [x] Farā'iḍ
- [ ] Nafl
- [ ] Mandub
- [ ] Makruh
> **Explanation:** Farā'iḍ is another term for Faraid, whereas Nafl, Mandub, and Makruh have different meanings in Islamic jurisprudence.
### Which Surah in the Quran primarily outlines the rules of inheritance relating to Faraid?
- [x] Surah An-Nisa
- [ ] Surah Al-Baqarah
- [ ] Surah Al-Kahf
- [ ] Surah Yusuf
> **Explanation:** Surah An-Nisa (Chapter 4) of the Quran contains specific verses (11, 12, 176) outlining the laws of inheritance in Islam.
“Fulfilling one’s Faraid is not merely an act of obedience, but a path to attain the essence of faith and harmony in life.” - Ibrahim Al-Hakim, 2023.
اغنام.
