Definition
That which the Sharī‘ah has permitted. In broader usage, it includes the merely permitted (mubāḥ), the recommended (mustaḥabb), and the obligatory (wājib) — i.e. anything not forbidden.
Pronunciation: ḥa-LĀL
Etymology & Root
From the root ح-ل-ل (ḥ-l-l), meaning 'to untie, to release.' Ḥalāl is what has been released from the bonds of prohibition.
Usage in the Qur'an
'O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth that is lawful and good.' (al-Baqarah 2:168)
Scholarly Notes
The default in worldly affairs (food, drink, clothing, transactions) is permissibility — until evidence prohibits. The default in worship is the opposite: nothing is legislated except by evidence.
Practical Application
Verify the source of income, food, and entertainment. Even small persistent ḥarām earnings affect the answering of du‘ā'.
Mentioned in articles
In classical books
The Four Principles (Al-Qawa'id al-Arba')
Chapter: Third Principle — The Prophet ﷺ Fought All Categories of Worshippers
The Conditions of La ilaha illa Allah
Kitab at-Tawheed
Chapter: Chapter 1 — Tawheed (The Oneness of Allah)
Al-‘Aqeedah al-Wasitiyyah
Chapter: Belief in Allah — His Names and Attributes
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Related Terms
More from Fiqh Terms
Permissible — neither commanded nor forbidden.
Circumambulating the Ka‘bah seven times.
Disliked but not forbidden.
Consensus of qualified scholars.
The principles by which fiqh rulings are derived.
Following a scholar's ruling without knowing the evidence.