Does the Amr (command) indicate the request to undertake the action immediately or not immediately (i.e. with relaxation of time or delay)? If the action that had been commanded was Muwassa’ (expansive and has been given breadth and room for its performance or undertaking), then it is permissible to undertake it at any time from its specified time period. This is like the Zhohr prayer or the giving of Zakaat ul-Fitr. If the time was Mudayyaq (restricted and made narrow) like the fasting of Ramadhaan for example, then it is performed in its time immediately (without delay). As for that which has not been restricted by a defined or specified time like the command to undertake expiations (Al-Kaffaraat), then it is permissible to delay them i.e. to approach and undertake that which has been commanded with some delay or ease of timing (i.e. non immediate manner) just as it is allowed to undertake it immediately.

Consequently, the Amr (command) is either restricted by time whether this is Muwassa’ (expansive) of Mudayyaq (narrow) or it could not be specified by time at all, and this is what designates whether there is immediacy or delay in respect to undertaking the command.