What does Haram mean?

In Arabic, and in the Koran, every word has a meaning. In the French or Arabic dictionary, or in other languages, a word always has a definition. Harām for example corresponds to a particular meaning both in the Koran, and in Islamic law, or in this religion. In this article, we'll find out a little more about the term Haram. Let's go.

What is Haram?

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Image for our article explaining what Haram and Makruh are, as well as the difference between the term Makruh and Harām. Source : Alucare.fr

Harām is an adjective of Arabic origin, our term of the day, it describes anything that is "forbidden, inviolable and sacred". In more common usage, it corresponds to the French concept of tabou. For example, Islamic and Jewish nature forbids the consumption of pork, alcohol, etc. when talking about food. is there pork in Oreo cookies?. The meaning of this word suggests that there are practices that are not permitted in the Islamic religion. The antonym of Harām is halal, which refers to anything permitted by Sharia law. 

It's important to point out that the adjective Harām is different from the Arabic noun Haram, so don't confuse the spelling. The latter designates a holy district. Moreover, the term forbidden is used in the Koran, in Sura 16: 116, people are asked not to claim with a lying tongue, one thing is permitted and another is forbidden.

The Islamic viewpoint stipulates that a Muslim commits a sin by performing an act classified by the Koran or by legal doctrine as Harām. On the other hand, this term is also to be distinguished from the adjective "mamnu", which designates that which is forbidden by secular law. To be clearer, the term Harām is the last of the five categories of human actions in Islamic jurisprudence.

What is "Makruh"?

In Arabic, the term Makruh is used to describe actions that are unpopular in religious opinion and should be avoided. Islamic tradition states that Muslims are not punished for committing unpopular acts, but rewarded for their omission. This term is the fourth of the five categories of human actions in Islamic jurisprudence.

What are these unpopular acts?

  • Wasting water during ritual ablutions, for example
  • Or disrespect for popular or preferred acts during and outside religious services.

In Islam, excessive action is considered unpopular.

What is the difference between the term Makruh and Harām?

In linguistic terms, Makruh means the opposite of love. In Islamic terminology, it refers to something that the law requires to be abandoned, but not in a clear-cut manner. To be clearer, a practice that carries no penalty. Its abandonment brings the faithful a reward.

Whereas Harām means forbidden. It designates something that religious law requires to be abandoned in a trenchant manner. A term contrary to Halal. The faithful, on the other hand, will be rewarded for abandoning the forbidden, provided it is motivated solely by religious proscription. In other words, an abandonment that is not dictated by fear, incapacity or timidity. Moreover, abandonment dictated by considerations entails no reward.

In short, the Muslim world has laws that must not be changed. Unlawful acts expose you to danger before God, if you are a Muslim. In French, the term Haram is synonymous with taboo, forbidden, the latter being the closest dictionary interpretation of the term. By the way, if you want to test your level of purity, what is your purity test. Before going to a Muslim city, or during prayers, it's important to know what kind of life you want to lead in the eyes of your god, who is Allah.

What about you? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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