What is the opposite of 'Shar' in Islamic terminology?

Explanation

In Islamic terminology, 'Shar' refers to evil, harm, or anything negative and undesirable, while 'Khair' refers to goodness, benefit, and righteousness. These two terms form a fundamental binary pair in Islamic ethics and theology, often appearing together in Quranic verses and supplications. The concept teaches that Allah is the creator of both good and evil, and believers are instructed to seek Khair and seek refuge from Shar, as reflected in Surah Al-Falaq.

Good to know

The duality of Khair and Shar is deeply embedded in Islamic thought. The famous supplication "Allahumma inni as'aluka min al-khairi kullihi..." (O Allah, I ask You for all that is good) and the daily dua for protection from evil reflect this pairing. The Quran frequently contrasts these concepts, such as in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216): "...it may be that you dislike a thing which is good (Khair) for you and that you like a thing which is bad (Shar) for you."

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