The Five Branches of the Shari’at

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The Five Branches of the Shari’at

The Shari’at, or the laws of Islam, consists of five branches or parts: Aqaa-id, A’maal, Muamalaat, Akhlaaq, and Husn-e-Muaasharat.

Aqaa-id (Beliefs)

• Beliefs on the Oneness of Allah Ta’ala and the Risaalat (Prophethood) of Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam)

A’maal (Righteous Deeds)

• Examples: Salaat (prayer), Saum (fasting), Aadaabul Muaasharat

Muamalaat (Transactions, Contracts)

• Examples: trade and commerce

Akhlaaq (Moral Character)

• Examples: humility, generosity, etc.

Husn-e-Muaasharat (Beautiful Social Conduct)

• Good relationship with people, e.g. abstention from acts which cause others inconvenience, such as disturbing a person in his sleep

The Importance of the Five Branches

It is essential for Muslims to adopt all five branches of the Shari’at. However, in the present age, people have abbreviated the Shari’at, focusing on only one or two branches while neglecting the others.

The Consequences of Neglecting the Five Branches

• Some people focus only on Aqaa-id, believing that only the proclamation of La ilaaha il lallaah suffices for the immediate entry into Jannat (paradise).
• Others focus on Aqaa’id and A’maal, but neglect Muamalaat, disregarding whether their transactions are lawful or not.
• Some people focus on Muamalaat, but neglect Akhlaaq, failing to reform their own moral character.
• Others focus on Akhlaaq, but neglect Husn-e-Muaasharat, disregarding the impact of their behavior on others.

The Importance of Husn-e-Muaasharat

• Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) cared for the little things just as much as he cared for important matters.
• It is essential to consider the impact of our behavior on others and to strive to maintain good relationships with people.