بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Al-Allaamah Salih Al-Fawzaan [may Allah preserve him] was asked:

What is the difference between [الحرام وعدم الجواز والمكروه – Al-Haram (unlawful, forbidden), Adamul Jawaaz (not allowed) and Al-Makruh (disliked, detested)]?

Response: The doer of Haram (is threatened with) punishment, and the one who refrains from it (is promised) reward. Makruh merits a reward for avoidance, but (the doer) is not (threatened with) punishment; however, it is more appropriate not to engage in it. Continuously doing what is Makruh does not straight away reach the level of Haraam, but it could serve as a pathway to it, therefore it is more appropriate to avoid. If it is established that it leads to Haram, then it becomes Haram.

[Al-Muntaqaa Min Fataawaa 3/78]