Supererogation, work of

views updated

Supererogation, work of. A work which is not required as a matter of obligation in morality, but which is beneficial for the good of others or for the strengthening of spiritual or moral life. They include works done purely for the love of God.

The counsels of perfection (poverty, chastity, obedience) are typically considered works of supererogation. For an example in Islam, see NĀFILA.

More From encyclopedia.com