In this text we shall be looking at another topic and this is Al-‘Urf (. This literally refers to the coming of a thing in succession; and that is why the mane of a horse is called 'urf (in the Arabic language, because of the succession of the hair on the neck of the horse.
Technically Al-‘Urf (stands for what majority of the people or a group of them are upon, which could be either a statement or practice.
Types of 'Urf
Looking at 'Urf (from different perspectives, it can be classified into different types:
One: AI-'Urf Al-Qawly: This means statements which the People or group of people are used to. For instance the word walad in the Arabic language means a child male or female. However, it is customarily used to refer to a male child.
Two: AI-'Urf AI-'Amaly: This refers to practices which the people or group of people are used to. For instance, it is the custom of the Egyptians and the Sudanese to circumcise their daughters, while this is repugnant in the Syrian culture.
Three: AI-'Urf AI-'Aamm:· This refers to a custom that is generally believed in by the people be it a statement or practice, For instance, the use of international passports bearing the visa of the country which one intends to enter is a common practice among the countries of the world.
Four: AI-'Urf AI-Khaass: This is a custom that is common among a group of people in the society e.g. doctors, farmers, tribes etc. For instance it is common among the Ijaw or Urhobo men to put on wrappers.
Five: AI-'Urf AI-Faasid: This refers to the custom that contradicts the Shar'i texts or the objectives of the Shari'ah. This may also be a statement or practice; it may also be general or specific to a group of people in the society such as traders. For instance it is a general practice by the people to get loans from ribaa banks.
A similar 'urf al-faasid is the custom of organising condolence sitting if somebody dies.
Six: AI-'Urf As-Saheeh: This is the custom that fulfills the Shariah requirements by not contradicting any Shar'i evidence or objective. For instance, the use of ATM has become the practice of the people in the society, which does not contradict the Shari'ah.