Alternative Spelling:
Fard / Farz / Fardh / Fardh / Fardh
What is Fard?
- Fard refers to a religious obligation in Islam, denoted by the Arabic term farḍ, which signifies any act that is explicitly commanded by Allah in the Qur'an or by the Prophet Muhammad in authentic traditions.
- The theological significance of Fard is profound, as fulfilling these obligations is considered essential for a Muslim’s faith and accountability, and deliberately neglecting them is viewed as a serious sin.
- In Islamic jurisprudence, Fard is used to categorize actions that are mandatory, and scholars agree that these duties must be performed by every accountable Muslim, distinguishing them from recommended or voluntary acts.
- On a spiritual level, fulfilling Fard is seen as a direct means of attaining Allah’s pleasure and mercy, reinforcing the believer’s commitment to the core tenets of faith and submission to divine will.
- The practical application of Fard includes daily acts such as prayer, fasting during Ramadan, and other obligatory practices, which structure a Muslim’s life and serve as foundational pillars of religious observance.
Examples of Fard
- Daily Prayers: "Performing the five daily prayers is considered Fard in Islam."
- Fasting in Ramadan: "Observing the fast during the month of Ramadan is a Fard obligation for all adult Muslims."
- Zakat (Charity): "Paying zakat annually is a Fard duty for those who meet the minimum wealth threshold."
- Hajj Pilgrimage: "Performing Hajj at least once in a lifetime, if able, is a Fard act."
- Ablution Before Prayer: "Making wudu (ablution) before Salah is Fard for the prayer to be valid."
References in Qur'an & Hadith
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Islam is built upon five: the testimony that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing the prayer, giving Zakat, performing Hajj, and fasting Ramadan. These are the Fard acts upon every Muslim."
Sahih al-Bukhari (Sunnah.com)
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Allah has made the five daily prayers Fard upon the servants. Whoever performs them and does not miss any out of negligence, he has a covenant with Allah to admit him to Paradise."
Sunan an-Nasa'i (Sunnah.com)
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "The first thing for which a person will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be his prayer. If it is found to be complete, it will be recorded as complete, but if anything is lacking, Allah will say: 'Look and see if My slave has any voluntary prayers with which to complete what is lacking from his Fard prayers.'"
Sunan an-Nasa'i (Sunnah.com)
FAQs for Fard
What does Fard mean in English?
It means obligatory or compulsory.
When should Muslims perform Fard acts?
Muslims are required to perform Fard acts in their daily lives, such as the five daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and other obligatory duties prescribed in Islam.
What happens if someone neglects a Fard obligation?
Neglecting a Fard obligation without a valid excuse is considered sinful in Islam and may require repentance or making up the missed duty, depending on the act.
How is Fard different from Sunnah?
Fard refers to actions that are mandatory, while Sunnah refers to practices recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) but not obligatory. Missing a Fard act is sinful, whereas missing a Sunnah act is not.
Are all prayers in Islam considered Fard?
No, only the five daily prayers are considered Fard. Other prayers, such as Sunnah or Nafl prayers, are recommended or voluntary but not obligatory.
