Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
fard
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "fard" is not correct in standard written English and is not commonly used.
It may refer to a specific term in certain contexts, such as in historical or cultural discussions, but it is not widely recognized. Example: "In some cultures, women would fard their faces to enhance their beauty."
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
47 human-written examples
In Muslim lands sharia courts are overseen by a kadi (judge) who will have studied both fiqh (legal interpretation) and how to apply qiyas (analogy).Fiqh classifies behaviour into one of five categories: fard (mandatory), mustahabb (advisable), mubah (neutral), makruh (inadvisable), and haraam (prohibited).
News & Media
In 1930, claiming that he was Noble Drew Ali reincarnated, Fard founded the Nation of Islam in Detroit, Michigan, and designated his able assistant, Elijah Muhammad, originally Elijah Poole, to establish the Nation' second centre in Chicago.
Encyclopedias
Muhammad provided what Fard lacked strong leadership and a coherent theology.
Encyclopedias
Wallace, who had been deeply influenced by Malcolm X and orthodox Islam, soon initiated a transformation of the Nation, changing its name to World Community of al-Islam in the West and again in 1978 to the American Muslim Mission and gradually dropping its racial and nationalist doctrines as well as its belief in Fard as Allah.
Encyclopedias
Among those associated with the Moorish Science Temple was a peddler named Wallace D. Fard (or Wali Fard Muhammad).
Encyclopedias
While Fard retired into obscurity, Elijah taught that Fard was a Prophet (in the Muslim sense) and a Saviour (in the Christian sense) and the very presence of Allah.
Encyclopedias
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
11 human-written examples
In remarks Tuesday in the Iranian Parliament, the deputy speaker, Mohammad-Hassan Aboutorabi-Fard, said the capture of Mr. Rigi showed that "Iran has a great power to cut off the hands of criminals and defuse plots of the arrogant powers as well as those made by the U.S. and its mercenaries".
News & Media
One example is Homayoun Dayani-Fard, who has a PhD in computer science from Queen's University in Canada, and has done work for a range of clients in the financial sector, including Coutts.
News & Media
The estrangement was both personal, thanks to the jealousy Malcolm had provoked at the Nation's headquarters, and ideological: his conversion to orthodox Islam was at odds with the heresies of the Nation (not only did Elijah Muhammad claim to be a new prophet but the Nation's founder, Wallace Fard, had claimed to be the personification of Allah).Was the Nation responsible for Malcolm's murder?
News & Media
So what do students say about ACM? Ruby Fard knows first-hand how tough it is to crack the industry, having spent five years working for free in successive placements while studying for her degree at ACM and, before that, at Croydon's BRIT School (where her contemporaries included Katie Melua).
News & Media
Dariush Shilati-Fard,Tehran Paying for the oil-drilling debacle Regarding the editorial "Many Questions" (June 1): The decision to drill in 5,000 feet of water using the experience of the oil industry drilling in shallow waters, was an imprudent decision by BP management made to gain economic advantage.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
In historical or biographical contexts, specify whether you are referring to Wallace D. "Fard", the founder of the Nation of Islam, to avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "fard" without providing adequate context. The term has different meanings, from applying makeup to a mandatory Islamic duty or referring to a key figure in the Nation of Islam. Ensure your audience understands the intended meaning.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The term "fard" functions as a noun, referring to a mandatory duty in Islam, or as a verb, though archaic, meaning to paint or embellish. It also serves as a proper noun when referring to Wallace D. "Fard", a key figure in the Nation of Islam. Ludwig indicates its use varies depending on context.
Frequent in
News & Media
39%
Encyclopedias
22%
Science
11%
Less common in
Formal & Business
4%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The term "fard" presents a diverse range of meanings, as evidenced by the contexts it appears in across Ludwig's examples. Primarily, it denotes a mandatory duty within Islamic practice. Secondly, it refers to Wallace D. "Fard", the founder of the Nation of Islam. Rarely, and somewhat archaically, it can mean to apply makeup. Ludwig confirms that understanding the context is crucial for proper interpretation. Usage spans from formal religious discussions to neutral historical accounts, with the cosmetic meaning being largely obsolete. Recognizing these varied applications is key to employing "fard" effectively.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Wallace D. Fard
Another way to refer to the founder of the Nation of Islam, useful for clarity.
apply makeup
A modern and widely understood term for enhancing appearance with cosmetics.
religious duty
Focuses on the religious aspect of the obligation, suitable when discussing religious commandments.
obligatory act
Emphasizes the compulsory nature of the action, removing the religious specificity of "fard".
essential commandment
Highlights the importance and necessity of the commandment, adding a layer of emphasis.
embellish the truth
Captures the 'gloss over or embellish' meaning of "fard", applicable to narratives or descriptions.
Wali Fard Muhammad
Specifically refers to the historical figure associated with the Nation of Islam.
Nation of Islam founder
Describes the role rather than using the name, useful when the person is already known.
enhance appearance
Focuses on the act of improving one's looks, broader than just facial application.
paint the face
Replaces the archaic verb form with a more common expression for applying makeup.
FAQs
How is "fard" used in an Islamic context?
In Islamic jurisprudence, "fard" refers to a mandatory religious duty that Muslims must fulfill. These duties are prescribed by Allah and are considered essential for religious observance. Examples include prayer, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Mecca.
Who was Wallace D. "Fard" and what is his significance?
Wallace D. "Fard", also known as Wali "Fard" Muhammad, was the founder of the Nation of Islam. He is a central figure in the Nation's theology, though his exact background and teachings remain a subject of debate and interpretation. The Nation of Islam considers him to be divine.
What are some alternative ways to describe the act of applying makeup instead of using the verb "fard"?
Instead of using "fard" to describe applying makeup, you can use more common phrases such as "apply makeup", "paint the face", or "enhance appearance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "fard"?
The term "fard" is most appropriate in discussions related to Islamic religious obligations or when discussing the history and figures of the Nation of Islam. In other contexts, especially when referring to makeup, using more common and contemporary terms would be better understood.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested