Fard (Obligatory)
The obligatory acts in Islam, including the five daily prayers.
Fard (Arabic: فرض) means "obligatory" or "commanded" and refers to actions in Islam that are strictly required of every adult Muslim. The five daily prayers are fard — neglecting them is a sin, and performing them brings great reward.
In the context of prayer, a distinction is made between two types of fard: fard 'ayn (individual obligation) and fard kifayah (collective obligation). The five daily prayers are fard 'ayn — each individual Muslim is personally obligated to pray them. The Jumu'ah prayer (Friday prayer) is fard 'ayn for men who are able to attend.
Within the prayer itself, certain actions are fard (obligatory for the prayer's validity): standing upright, reciting Surah Al-Fatiha, performing ruku and sujud, and sitting for the final tashahhud. If one omits a fard action, the prayer is invalid.
Related terms
Adhan (Call to Prayer)
The Islamic call to prayer, recited by a muezzin.
Wilayah (Divine Authority)
The concept of divine authority and leadership in Shia Islam.
Ashura (The Tenth of Muharram)
The tenth day of Muharram, the commemoration of Imam Husayn's martyrdom.
Sawm (Fasting)
Islamic fasting from dawn to sunset, closely connected with prayer.
Janamaz (Prayer Rug)
The prayer rug that the worshipper uses to mark a clean prayer area.
Tilawah (Quran Recitation)
Recitation of the Quran, which is a central part of prayer and daily worship.