The verb wa-jaba in Arabic conveys firmness and stability; one says, “wa-jaba kadhā,” meaning “it has become fixed and settled.” Allah, Exalted is He, employs it regarding the sacrificial camels: “Then, when their sides have collapsed, eat of them and feed others” (al-Hajj 22:36).

Hence the author’s phrase, “it is obligatory upon us,” shows that the ruling is not merely recommended—something a person may choose to do or leave—rather, it is binding. The obligation issues from Allah Himself, not from the shaykh; it comes through what He has revealed in the Book and the Sunnah, wherein He has charged His servants with these matters.

His words, “obligatory for every Muslim man and woman,” mean that it is incumbent upon every male and female among the Muslims, whether free or enslaved. A woman shares with a man in most obligations, except where textual evidence confines a duty to men alone, such as attending the congregational prayer in the mosque, the Friday prayer, visiting graves, and fighting in the path of Allah—these are specific to men.

Whatever the evidence designates as exclusive to men remains so; otherwise, the basic rule is that men and women are equal with respect to religious obligations.