What Allah Commanded — The Major Obligations
1. Tawhid — Pure Monotheism
The foundation of everything. Belief in the oneness of Allah — not associating partners with Him — is the first and greatest command.
2. Salah — Prayer Five Times Daily
The daily structure of connection with Allah. The five prayers are not ritual — they are five moments of return, of remembrance, of alignment with the purpose of life.
3. Kindness to Parents
Respect and kindness to parents is placed immediately alongside worship of Allah — the highest possible priority after iman.
4. Justice and Fairness
5. Honesty and Keeping Promises
"O you who believe, why do you say that which you do not do? It is most hateful in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do." — As-Saff 61:2-3
6. Caring for the Poor and Orphans
More verses are devoted to feeding the poor, caring for orphans, and helping the needy than almost any other social command in the Quran. Islam is fundamentally a social religion.
7. Maintaining Family Bonds (Silat al-Rahim)
"And give the relative his right, and the needy and the traveller." — Al-Isra 17:26. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever wishes his provision to be increased and his lifespan to be extended should maintain family bonds."
What Allah Prohibited — The Major Prohibitions
1. Shirk — Associating Partners with Allah
The only sin Allah does not forgive without repentance. Everything else — every other sin — is covered by sincere tawbah. Shirk alone requires abandonment of it and return to tawhid.
2. Murder of the Innocent
3. Zina — Fornication and Adultery
"And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way." — Al-Isra 17:32. See our full Quran Ayat on Zina page for complete coverage.
4. Riba — Interest and Usury
5. Consuming Haram (Prohibited) Substances
"O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone altars to other than Allah, and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful." — Al-Maidah 5:90
6. Oppression and Injustice (Zulm)
The Prophet ﷺ narrated a Hadith Qudsi in which Allah says: "O My servants, I have made oppression forbidden for Myself and I have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one another." — Sahih Muslim 2577. This is among the most powerful prohibitions in all of Islam.
7. Backbiting and Slander
Allah's Mercy Pervades All Commands
Allah's commandments are not the rules of a harsh judge. They are the guidance of a Creator who knows exactly what His creation needs to flourish. Every prohibition protects against harm. Every obligation builds something essential. The framework is mercy expressing itself as guidance.