This is a statement from a higher person to a lower person that requires the doing of an action e.g from Allaah to His servants, from a boss to his boy etc. The statement may come in different forms such as feelul-amr (imperative verb) a mudari' (imperfect verb) preceded by lamul-amr (lam of command)etc.
However, if this statement is coming from a lower person to a higher person, then this is known in the Arabic language as duaa' and not amr. And if the statement is coming from an equal to an equal then this is known as "iltimass" Nevertheless, AI-amr in the shariah comes in three cases.
1st Case
It may be accompanied by what shows an obligation for instance Allaah says:
And fear Allaah for Allaah is severe in punishment." (Q5[Maidah]:2)
The obligation in the clause' "And fear Allaah." Is clear because of the next clause Allaah is severe in punishment." Hence if AI-amr is accompanied with threats or strong determination on the part of the one who gives the amr that his order be carried out which is obvious from the strong words in his statement for instance, it is interpreted as obligatory.
2nd Case
On the other hand if the clause that follows it does not suggest a determined request, the amr is said to be a recommendation rather than an obligation. For instance, when the prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said "Pray (naafilah) before Maghrib." Then he (the prophet) said "for whomever wills" (Ahmad, Abu Dawud).
From the foregoing, it is clear that al-amr in the first case bears obligatory implication while al-amr in the second case implies a recommendation because of the respective clause that follows each of them.
3rd Case
The third case is when AI-amr is without an accompanying clause that suggests either an obligation or a recommendation nor can this be inferred from the amr itself. Next edition InshaAllah we shall deal with this category of AI-amr.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited