(1) The author defines the legal rulings by stating their effects. Legal theorists call this a descriptive definition (*rasm*). In their view, a precise definition is an essential definition (*hadd*), which explains the true nature and essence of a thing. Thus, they define the obligatory as that which the Lawgiver demands be performed with binding force; the recommended as that which the Lawgiver demands be performed without binding force; the forbidden as that which the Lawgiver demands be abandoned with binding force; the disliked as that which the Lawgiver demands be abandoned without binding force; and the permissible as that to which neither a command nor a prohibition attaches in itself. (2) The statement, “One who performs it is rewarded,” is not unrestricted; it must be qualified by compliance with the command. It should therefore read: “One who performs it in compliance with the command is rewarded,” since anyone who performs an obligatory act without such compliance, like a hypocrite, is not rewarded. Likewise, the statement, “One who neglects it is punished,” is not unrestricted. Rather, it should read: “One who neglects it deserves punishment,” since a person may neglect an obligatory act yet not be punished. Allah Most High says: “Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating partners with Him, but He forgives anything less than that for whomever He wills” [al-Nisā: part of verse 116]. The remaining definitions of the legal rulings should be qualified in the same manner. (3) In “B” and the printed edition, the author first defines the recommended and then says: “The disliked is its opposite.” (4) The printed edition reads: “from jurisprudence.” (5) Reported by al-Bukhārī (1/164).