What is the criterion for determining whether a command is for obligation or for recommendation?

The questioner : O Shaykh, may Allah elevate your status and benefit you, some scholars say: The default ruling for commands is obligation, except in matters of etiquette, where it is recommended. The default ruling for prohibitions is prohibition, except in matters of etiquette, where it is disliked. What is the criterion for distinguishing between a command that falls under etiquette and one that does not?

The Shaykh : Etiquette refers to what concerns good character and the path upon which the servant proceeds. As for acts of worship, they are the worship of Allah (Mighty and Majestic). In fact, even in acts of worship, there is no specific criterion. Many of these commands in acts of worship are agreed upon by scholars to be recommended. However, these are all issues debated by the scholars of the principles of jurisprudence regarding whether a command is for obligation or for recommendation. Some said: The default is obligation, based on the saying of Allah (Blessed and Exalted is He): . Others said: The default is recommendation, because the default for a command is its prescription, and the default is that there is no sin in leaving it, which is the reality of recommendation. Upon reflection, the issue does not have a specific criterion. Yes.