and another category in which certain kinds and quantities are permitted, but exceeding those kinds and quantities is forbidden; doing so constitutes transgression.

Likewise, transgression may occur in commanded acts just as it occurs in permissible acts. Going beyond what is commanded may constitute forbidden transgression, may be permissible without restriction, or may be permissible up to a certain point, beyond which it constitutes transgression.

In light of this distinction, the “Sharia” has been described as comprising commands and prohibitions, the lawful and the unlawful, obligations and limits, prescribed practices and rulings. “Obligations” are the prescribed measures for commanded acts, while “limits” are the outer bounds of what is permissible, whether commanded or not.