mandub

Mandub (mandūb) is an Arabic term used in Islamic jurisprudence to refer to acts that are recommended or desirable to perform but are not obligatory. The root implies merit and suggestion; across schools it is often translated as "recommended" or "meritorious."

In fiqh, mandub acts are distinct from fard or wajib (obligatory duties) and from actions that are disliked or forbidden. They carry spiritual reward if performed, but neglect does not incur the penalties associated with obligatory duties. Some scholars view mandub as a subset of mustahabb (desirable) acts, while others treat mandub and mustahabb as overlapping or synonymous; the exact terminology varies by school.

Common examples include voluntary prayers beyond the five daily prayers (nawafil), voluntary fasting on days not obligatory, extra charitable giving, and other worship acts such as dhikr or reciting the Qur’an beyond what is obligatory. The specific acts labeled mandub can differ among madhhabs and communities.

Summary: Mandub is a normative category in Islamic legal theory that encourages supplementary worship without imposing a duty; its recognition and scope depend on the madhhab and textual sources consulted.