In Islamic terminology, something which is makruh or makrooh (مكروه, transliterated: makrooh or makrūh) is a "disliked" (literally "detestable" or "abominable"). This is one of the five categories (al-ahkam al-khamsa) in Islamic law – wajib/fard (obligatory), Mustahabb/mandub (recommended), mubah (neutral), makruh (disapproved), haram (forbidden).
Though a makruh act is not haram (forbidden) or subject to punishment, a person who abstains from this act will be rewarded. Muslims are encouraged to avoid such actions when or as possible. It is one of the degrees of approval (ahkam) in Islamic law.
Acts considered makruh can vary between different madhhabs due to differing scholarly interpretations of the Quran and Hadith, with Hanafi scholars in particular differing from the other madhhabs in regard to classification of makruh.
Actions that are reprehensible and violate rules of Fiqh are considered to be makruh.
Makruh is considered to be of two types:
Makruh Tahrimi, مکروہ تَحریمی - Actions disliked in the same vein as haram actions, but does not have definitive proof and instead uses speculative evidence for their prohibition. Unlike haram actions, committing these types of actions does not lead to unfaithfulness. This type of makruh is primarily cited by Hanafi scholars when issuing Fatwa, and is not used by scholars of other madhhabs.
Makruh Tanzihi, مکروه تنزیهی - Not strictly forbidden according to scholars, but is disliked if done. Engaging in actions that are considered this type of makruh will not lead to punishment, but avoiding these types of actions will bring one closer to God. This type of makruh is primarily used by all madhhabs, and is interchangeable with the word makruh in most cases.
The Hanafi school uses the makruh tahrimi classification on the basis that there is doubt (but not extremely significant) in the chain of narration and/or authenticity of a Hadith that provides evidence that a particular act is considered haram. All other madhhabs would consider classifying an act as haram in this case.