Wajib (Obligatory)

Wajib (Arabic: واجب) means "obligatory" or "required" and refers to actions that every mukallaf (religiously responsible Muslim) is obligated to perform. Performing a wajib action is rewarded, and omitting it is a sin. The five daily prayers are the most fundamental wajib action in Islam.

In Shia fiqh, the terms wajib and fard are often used synonymously, although in certain contexts there may be a nuanced difference. Wajib actions within prayer include: niyyah (intention), takbirat al-ihram (the opening takbir), qiyam (standing position), recitation of Al-Fatiha, ruku (bowing), sujud (prostration), tashahhud (testimony of faith), and taslim (concluding greeting).

Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) explained the importance of distinguishing between the wajib parts of prayer and its arkan (pillars): "The arkan of prayer are those parts which — if added or omitted intentionally or unintentionally — invalidate the prayer. The wajib parts of prayer are those parts which only invalidate the prayer if added or omitted intentionally" (Al-Kafi, vol. 3). Arkan include: niyyah, takbirat al-ihram, qiyam connected with ruku, ruku, and both sujud.

Understanding wajib vs. mustahab (recommended) vs. mubah (permissible) vs. makruh (discouraged) vs. haram (forbidden) is fundamental to Islamic jurisprudence. Islamic scholars issue detailed legal guidelines that classify all actions according to these five categories. For the believer, it is essential to know one's wajib duties — and the five daily prayers are the first and most important of them.