The Islamic life of worship (ibadat) and social relations (muamalat) govern all aspects of an individual's life. Islamic law defines all human behavior in categories like obligatory (fard), forbidden (haram), discouraged (makruh), and permitted (mubah). Here, we will cast a quick look on the forbidden things.

Contrary to general perception, Islam allows a wide space of action for believers to maintain their lives comfortably without any violation. Bediüzzaman Said Nursi puts it in a very concise way: "The limits of the permissible are broad and adequate for your desires, and so you do not need to indulge in what is forbidden." Islam accepts that everything God created is, in principle, for humanity's use and lawful (halal), unless forbidden by the Qur'an or the Prophet. Forbidden things in Islam can be listed briefly as follows:

• Eating the meat of certain animals, like pork, carrion, carnivorous animals, birds with talons, amphibians, reptiles, and animals slaughtered in the name of any other but God.
• Consuming intoxicants (spirits, drug, etc.) and other harmful things. A Muslim should always remain in full consciousness of his Creator and be able to address God Almighty at all times, most especially during daily prayers. The harm which alcohol and other intoxicants cause to the individual and the society are countless and deliberate.
• Choosing clothing carefully. Islam encourages modesty, and thus extravagant dress and ostentation are forbidden. Both men and women should also be mindful not to dress in a way so as to tempt the opposite sex, such as by wearing transparent or tight-fitting clothes. In sum, the body should be discretely covered according to Islamic etiquette.
• Abstaining from all forms of gambling and usury, such as interest on loans and games of chance.