Faraid
Etymology and Translations
- Etymology: The term “Faraid” (Arabic: فرائض, Turkish: Ferez) is derived from the Arabic root “fard” (فَرْض), which means “obligation” or “duty.”
- Arabic: فرائض
- Turkish: Ferez
Definition
“Faraid” (sing. fard) refers to the obligatory duties and rituals commanded by God in Islam. The term broadly encompasses two main areas:
- Religious Duties:
- Five Daily Prayers (Salah): Obligatory prayers performed five times a day.
- Charity (Zakat): Compulsory almsgiving.
- Fasting (Sawm): Fasting during the month of Ramadan.
- Pilgrimage (Hajj): Obligation to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime for those who are able to do so.
- Inheritance Laws:
- Refers to prescribed shares in Islamic inheritance as stipulated in the Quran, specifically in Surah An-Nisa (4:11-12, 4:176).
- Sufi Orders:
- Comprises specific rituals distinct to various Sufi traditions, such as meditation, contemplation, movement, singing, recitation, prayer, repetition (dhikr), and sometimes music and dance.
Related Terms
- Fard al-Ayn (فرض العين): Individual obligations that every Muslim is required to perform.
- Fard al-Kifayah (فرض الكفاية): Communal obligations that must be performed by a sufficient number of community members to satisfy the communal requirement.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “An Introduction to Islamic Law” by Wael B. Hallaq
- “Inheritance in Islam” by Hamid Khan
- “Sufism: The Formative Period” by Ahmet T. Karamustafa
- “Al-Ghazali’s Ihya’ Ulum al-Din” (The Revival of the Religious Sciences)
- “Fiqh al-Sunna” by Sayyid Sabiq
Takeaways and Conclusion
- The term “Faraid” applies to fundamental obligations in Islamic practice encompassing daily rituals, mandatory charitable acts, fasting, pilgrimage, and intricate inheritance laws.
- In the realm of Sufism, “Faraid” includes various spirit-enhancing practices specific to each order which emphasizes the spiritual journey of a Muslim.
- Understanding Faraid is integral to grasping the comprehensive obligations a Muslim must fulfill and reflects the intricate balance between communal responsibilities and individual acts of worship.
In conclusion, the multifaceted significance of “Faraid” in Islam highlights the religion’s comprehensive approach to devotion, community welfare, and fairness in legal matters, forming a cornerstone of Muslim life and spirituality.
