#عجائب_وغرائب (9)

Cases Where Voluntary Acts Are Better Than Obligatory Acts Scholars agree that obligatory acts are generally better than voluntary ones; because they are more beloved to Allāh and bring greater reward. This is well known, based on the saying of Allāh (ḥadīth Qudsi): “My servant does not come closer to Me with anything more beloved to Me than what I have made obligatory upon him.” [Bukhari] ʿUmar ibn ʿAbdil-ʿAzīz said: “The best worship is to perform what is obligatory and to stay away from what is forbidden.” This is because Allāh made these obligations in order to bring people closer to Him and to earn His pleasure and mercy. [Jāmiʿ Al-ʿUlūm wa-l-Ḥikam 3/1072] However, they also mention some exceptions, where a voluntary act can be better than an obligatory act. Examples include [Al-Mawsūʿah Al-Fiqhiyyah (41/103)]: 1⃣. Forgiving the debt of a poor person This is better than just giving him more time to pay, even though giving time is obligatory and forgiving the debt is voluntary. 2⃣. Initiating salām Initiating salām is voluntary, while replying is obligatory, yet starting it is better. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The better of the two is the one who begins the greeting.” 3⃣. Making wuḍūʾ before prayer time begins This is voluntary and better than making wuḍūʾ after the time begins, even though wuḍūʾ then becomes obligatory. 4⃣. Circumcision before reaching adulthood This is voluntary and better than after reaching adulthood, at which point it becomes obligatory. For more details, see Sharḥ Thulāthiyyāt Al-Imām Aḥmad by As-Safārīnī (1/94), where these issues are explained in depth. _ The series thus far, may Allāh facilitate its completion ⤵️ https://t.me/madrasatuna/5582