Awla
Awla names the better of two lawful options, a scholar's preference rather than a requirement that rules the other option out.
What it means for me: Awla tells you which of two lawful paths a scholar considers better. Choosing the other one is not a mistake, only a different lawful path with less weight behind it.
Example: Two ways of performing an act are both valid. The scholar says one is awla, meaning better, while the other stays a real option, not an error to correct.
Do not confuse with: Wajib, the obligatory. Being told the awla option is not the same as being told the other option is not allowed.
If scholars differ: Some jurists use awla interchangeably with mustahab, the recommended. Others use it to mark the stronger of two positions on a question, a sense closer to *rajih*, the preferred view. This flexibility is why two sound answers to the same question can differ in which option they call better.
See the term in context
Is it true what is stated in the book "Ikhtiyar al-Awla fi Sharh Hadith Ikhtisam al-Mala' al-A'la" by Ibn Rajab, that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was given knowledge of everything except the five keys to the Unseen mentioned in His, the Almighty's, saying: "Indeed, Allah [alone] has knowledge of the Hour and sends down the rain and knows what is in the wombs. And no soul perceives what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul perceives in what land it will die. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted," based on his, peace and blessings be upon him, saying: "So I knew what was in the heavens and the earth" or "And everything became clear to me and I knew"?
Scholars have stated that the term "عموم" (generality) in the Hadith refers to what Allah has permitted to be known from His knowledge regarding the disputes of the Exalted Assembly, and not an absolute…
How are we to understand the ruling of "illicit" (Ghayr Mashrou')? Does it refer to committing the forbidden (muharram) or the disliked (makruh), neglecting an obligation (wajib), or doing that which is contrary to what is superior (khilaf al-awla)? And what are the consequences of committing an "illicit" act in examples such as offering the funeral prayer in absentia (salat al-gha'ib) for someone who has already been prayed over, the congregant reciting Al-Fatiha, and offering salutations (taslim) to interrupt the prayer?
The term "illicit" (غير مشروع) among jurists means that which is neither obligatory nor sunnah (recommended), and it implies a lack of obligation and recommendation. Ibn 'Uthaymeen stated that "not prescribed" (لا يشرع)…
What is Ibn Uthaymeen's view on the ruling regarding the exchange of greetings (saying and returning "Salam") between women and men? Is it disliked (makruh), contrary to what is better (khilaf al-awla), or forbidden (haram) if it is not between acquaintances or over the phone as needed?
Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen states that it is impermissible for men to greet women, or women to greet men who are not their mahram, except when there is no fear of fitnah (temptation). Exceptions to this include greetings…
Questions that use it
What is meant by your statement, "That you, as an individual, enter a company knowing it is losing money, this is not permissible," and does that mean that profit from this company is unlawful (haram), or is it a matter of leaving what is better (tark al-awla) and taking precautions to avoid loss?
What is the wording used by a jurist to indicate that he considers the ruling on an issue to be "contrary to what is preferable" (khilāf al-awlā)? And does his statement that what is preferable or better in an issue is to do such-and-such, mean that not doing it is contrary to what is preferable, or not?
What are the permissible types of analogy (qiyas) regarding Allah Almighty?