Difference between Fardh (Compulsory Act) and Wajib (Mandatory Act)

In Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), the terms " Fardh (فرض)" and " Wajib (واجب)" both refer to obligatory acts or duties that Muslims are required to perform as part of their religious obligations. However, there is a slight difference in the degree of obligation and how scholars classify them:

1.     - Fardh (فرض):

Fardh is the highest level of obligation in Islamic jurisprudence. It refers to acts or duties that are mandatory and obligatory on every Muslim without exception.

Failing to perform a fardh act is considered a sin and can lead to punishment in the Hereafter if not repented and made up for.

Examples of fardh acts include the five daily prayers (Salat), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), giving the annual obligatory charity (Zakat al-Fitr), and performing the Hajj pilgrimage once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able.

2.      -Wajib (واجب):

Wajib is a level of obligation slightly below fardh but still considered mandatory. It refers to acts or duties that are obligatory on every Muslim but may have some flexibility in their performance or specific conditions.

Failing to perform a wajib act is also considered a sin, but the consequences may be less severe than failing to perform a fardh act.

Some scholars use the terms "fardh al-ayn" to refer to individual obligations (obligatory on every Muslim) and "fardh al-kifayah" to refer to communal obligations (obligatory on the Muslim community as a whole but not on every individual). Wajib acts can sometimes fall into the category of fardh al-kifayah.

Examples of wajib acts may include performing certain sunnah (recommended) prayers, fulfilling certain religious vows (nadhr), and other obligations that scholars have classified as wajib based on their interpretation of Islamic teachings.

In summary, both wajib and fardh refer to obligatory acts in Islam, but fardh is of a higher level of obligation and is mandatory on every Muslim, while wajib is also mandatory but may have some flexibility or specific conditions. Failing to perform either can result in sin, but the consequences for neglecting fardh acts are generally considered more severe.

Bazam-e-Ghous-e-Azam (R.A) (بزم غوث اعظم (رحمة الله عليه:  A nonprofit, semi-registered organization running under a Spiritual Sheikh’s guidance; enhancing basic education and knowledge about our religion Islam, weekly scheduled spiritual meetings to increase love to our Allah, His Beloved Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and humanity. 

Shagufta Perveen Foundation: A nonprofit, un-registered organization working for welfare of human being with innovative ideas like micro-financing, supporting low profile families and a helping hand in reducing poverty (shaguftaperveen.com).