In Islamic jurisprudence, actions are categorized based on their religious ruling. One of these categories is Makruh. But what does Makruh mean in Islam? It refers to actions that are disliked by Allah but not strictly forbidden. These actions are not sinful in themselves, but avoiding them brings reward.
Muslim scholars describe Makruh as an act that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) discouraged. However, he did not declare it explicitly haram (forbidden). This makes it important to differentiate Makruh from haram. The two terms are not interchangeable.
Types of Makruh in Islam
There are generally two categories of Makruh:
Makruh Tahrimi
The first is Makruh Tahrimi. Makruh Tahrimir is “disliked to the point of prohibition”. This refers to actions very close to haram but contains some slight ambiguity that prevents it from being declared outright Haram.
Scholars consider these severely disliked, and avoiding them is strongly recommended. This refers to actions very close to haram. Scholars consider these severely disliked, and avoiding them is strongly recommended. Performing a Makruh Tahrimi act is sinful, and one may be held accountable for it.
Makruh Tanzih
The second type is Makruh Tanzih. Makruh Tanzih disliked for purification. These are mildly disliked actions. Performing them is not sinful, but leaving them is better. The evidence against them is not definitive but they should be avoided. However avoiding them is recommended not obligatory.
This classification helps Muslims practice their faith with greater awareness. It provides a middle ground between permitted and forbidden acts.
Examples of Makruh Actions
Some examples of Makruh include:
Makruh Tahrimi examples
- Fasting only on Saturday: Specifically forbidden unless it is a day one regularly fasts (like the 13th, 14th, 15th of the lunar month) or it is an obligatory fast
- Fasting on the Day of Doubt: Fasting on the 30th of Sha’ban if the new moon of Ramadan has not been sighted, out of excessive caution
- A husband and wife observing a voluntary fast without the other’s permission: As it can affect their marital rights
- Engaging in business transactions or other distractions immediately after the Friday prayer call (Jumu’ah Athan) has been made. (One should prepare and leave for prayer)
- Offering a voluntary (nafl) prayer at the exact time of sunrise, zenith, or sunset. (These times are explicitly prohibited for prayer)
Makruh Tanzihi examples
- Praying in a place with distracting decorations or images
- Looking around unnecessarily during prayer
- Performing prayer when food is served that one desires to eat
- Drinking water directly from the mouth of a jug (it is better to pour it into a glass)
- Blowing on hot food or drink (waiting for it to cool is better)
- Eating while lying down or in a reclining position without a need
- Eating to the point of being completely full (overeating)
- Sleeping on one’s stomach
- Holding a conversation while one is in the bathroom
- Coming to the mosque with a strong smell of garlic, onion, or smoke that offends others
- Spitting in the mosque or facing the Qibla while spitting
These actions are not haram, but they contradict the spirit of Islamic etiquette. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) often advised Muslims to avoid such behaviors. Although you should really avoid Makruh Tahrimi.
Hadith Reference
Several hadiths point out disliked actions. One hadith mentions the Prophet saying:
Jabir b. ‘Abdullah reported the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) mying: He who eats of this (offensive) plant, i. e garlic, and sometirres he said: He who eats onion and garlic and leek, should not approach our mosque for the angels are harmed by the same things as the children of Adam.
وَحَدَّثَنِي مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ حَاتِمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ جُرَيْجٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي عَطَاءٌ، عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ “ مَنْ أَكَلَ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْبَقْلَةِ الثُّومِ – وَقَالَ مَرَّةً مَنْ أَكَلَ الْبَصَلَ وَالثُّومَ وَالْكُرَّاثَ – فَلاَ يَقْرَبَنَّ مَسْجِدَنَا فَإِنَّ الْمَلاَئِكَةَ تَتَأَذَّى مِمَّا يَتَأَذَّى مِنْهُ بَنُو آدَمَ ” .
Sahih Muslim: Book 5, Hadith 92
This hadith highlights how certain behaviors are discouraged, not forbidden. The Prophet never called them haram, but still advised against them.
Why Understanding Makruh Matters
Knowing what Makruh means in Islam is not just a technicality. It shapes a Muslim’s behavior in ways that please Allah. It helps Muslims avoid actions that, while not sinful, reduce the quality of worship. Avoiding Makruh shows one’s eagerness to please Allah beyond the bare minimum. Fruther more they improve us as people, if you read over the exmaples again a lot fo them are based around etiquite and hygeine, which will benefit us on a physical level as well, not just a spiritual level.
Moreover, understanding Makruh helps prevent unnecessary guilt. If someone performs a Makruh act unknowingly, they’re not punished. But once aware, a believer gains the opportunity to earn reward by avoiding it.
Final Thoughts
Makruh in Islam is a reminder that our faith covers more than right and wrong. It encourages striving for excellence in character and worship. By understanding the nuances of Makruh, Muslims can live with greater mindfulness. This knowledge guides them beyond merely avoiding sin, encouraging them to actively seek Allah’s pleasure in every action. Furthermore, the concept of Makruh provides a practical framework for self-improvement, offering divine wisdom in matters of hygiene, health, and social etiquette that leads to a more wholesome and successful life.