Excerpt from the book: Ahkām wa Masā’il – In the Light of Qur’an and Sunnah by Shaykh Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani
What is the Sharʿī ruling regarding the custom of Niyota that is practiced during weddings?
Due to the historical mingling of Hindus and Muslims in the Indian subcontinent, numerous un-Islamic practices have infiltrated Muslim communities. These deviations have affected both beliefs and practices.
Among these harmful innovations is the custom of “Niyota” (also known as “Neyundra”), a ritual borrowed from Hindu traditions, especially linked to wedding ceremonies.
It is claimed that because wedding expenses are high, Niyota serves as a form of mutual financial support. However, in reality, it is a disguised and burdensome form of debt.
Here’s how it works:
This practice is a clear imitation of Hindu customs, with no basis in Islam.
Dr. Muhammad Umar, in his book under the chapter on Dowry, writes about the Kanboh Muslim community:
“They did not give dowry, nor did they send gifts like mehndi to the bride’s house. They also did not engage in Niyota rituals during nikāḥ, the wedding night, or henna ceremonies after serving sherbet to guests.
They viewed such practices with disdain due to their deep sense of honor. Whatever wealth they could afford after the marriage—whether in cash or kind—they gave it privately to their children, but they never sent dowry with the groom, lest vendors or onlookers watch these items being transported from rooftops.”
Further, he writes:
“They avoided collecting Neyg (gifts) after serving sherbet because it might embarrass the poor, or force some people to take loans just to contribute.”
Hindustani Tahzīb kā Musalmānon par Asar (pp. 153–154)
Mawlānā ʿUbaidullāh Malerkotī mentions in Tuhfat al-Hind (p. 184) the Hindu origins of customs like Khatt (gift registry). Both Niyota and Khatt are purely Hindu customs, and Muslims must avoid such innovations.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
من تشبه بقوم فهو منهم
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
Abū Dāwūd, Kitāb al-Libās, Bāb fī Lubsi al-Shuhrah (1031), Musnad Aḥmad (2/50, 2/92 – Ḥadīth: 5114, 5115, 5667)
Allah the Almighty said:
﴿وَلَا تَمْنُن تَسْتَكْثِرُ﴾
“Do not give (a favor) expecting to receive more in return.”
Sūrah al-Muddaththir: 6
Ibn ʿAbbās رضي الله عنهما said:
لا تعط العطية تلتمس أفضل منها
“Do not give a gift hoping for something better in return.”
Tafsīr al-Ṭabarī (14/23)
This interpretation is similarly reported from ʿIkrimah, Mujāhid, ʿAṭā’, Ṭāwūs, Abū al-Aḥwaṣ, Ibrāhīm, Mukḥafī bin ʿĀk, Qatādah, al-Suddī, and others.
Ibn Kathīr (6/340), al-Durr al-Manthūr (8/301), Tafsīr al-Ṭabarī (12/302–303)
Therefore, complete avoidance of Niyota is necessary.
May Allah protect us from such un-Islamic customs. Āmīn.
❖ Question:
What is the Sharʿī ruling regarding the custom of Niyota that is practiced during weddings?
❖ Answer:
Due to the historical mingling of Hindus and Muslims in the Indian subcontinent, numerous un-Islamic practices have infiltrated Muslim communities. These deviations have affected both beliefs and practices.
Among these harmful innovations is the custom of “Niyota” (also known as “Neyundra”), a ritual borrowed from Hindu traditions, especially linked to wedding ceremonies.
✿ What is Niyota?
It is claimed that because wedding expenses are high, Niyota serves as a form of mutual financial support. However, in reality, it is a disguised and burdensome form of debt.
Here’s how it works:
- A register is placed at wedding events.
- Guests, after partaking in the meal, are expected to give money.
- If someone previously gave an amount at another wedding, they now expect at least double in return.
- If that amount isn’t matched or exceeded, resentment develops.
- Giving back the same amount is seen as breaking ties.
This practice is a clear imitation of Hindu customs, with no basis in Islam.
✿ Historical Context:
Dr. Muhammad Umar, in his book under the chapter on Dowry, writes about the Kanboh Muslim community:
“They did not give dowry, nor did they send gifts like mehndi to the bride’s house. They also did not engage in Niyota rituals during nikāḥ, the wedding night, or henna ceremonies after serving sherbet to guests.
They viewed such practices with disdain due to their deep sense of honor. Whatever wealth they could afford after the marriage—whether in cash or kind—they gave it privately to their children, but they never sent dowry with the groom, lest vendors or onlookers watch these items being transported from rooftops.”
Further, he writes:
“They avoided collecting Neyg (gifts) after serving sherbet because it might embarrass the poor, or force some people to take loans just to contribute.”
Hindustani Tahzīb kā Musalmānon par Asar (pp. 153–154)✿ Scholars on Hindu Practices:
Mawlānā ʿUbaidullāh Malerkotī mentions in Tuhfat al-Hind (p. 184) the Hindu origins of customs like Khatt (gift registry). Both Niyota and Khatt are purely Hindu customs, and Muslims must avoid such innovations.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
من تشبه بقوم فهو منهم
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
Abū Dāwūd, Kitāb al-Libās, Bāb fī Lubsi al-Shuhrah (1031), Musnad Aḥmad (2/50, 2/92 – Ḥadīth: 5114, 5115, 5667)✿ The Custom Involves a Blameworthy Type of Debt:
- It is a debt that burdens the generations to come, since people feel obligated to repay and outdo past contributions.
- The Prophet ﷺ disliked praying the funeral of one who left unpaid debts, further highlighting the seriousness of such burdens.
✿ Don’t Give with the Intention of Receiving More:
Allah the Almighty said:
﴿وَلَا تَمْنُن تَسْتَكْثِرُ﴾
“Do not give (a favor) expecting to receive more in return.”
Sūrah al-Muddaththir: 6Ibn ʿAbbās رضي الله عنهما said:
لا تعط العطية تلتمس أفضل منها
“Do not give a gift hoping for something better in return.”
Tafsīr al-Ṭabarī (14/23)This interpretation is similarly reported from ʿIkrimah, Mujāhid, ʿAṭā’, Ṭāwūs, Abū al-Aḥwaṣ, Ibrāhīm, Mukḥafī bin ʿĀk, Qatādah, al-Suddī, and others.
Ibn Kathīr (6/340), al-Durr al-Manthūr (8/301), Tafsīr al-Ṭabarī (12/302–303) Final Ruling:
Niyota is a Hindu ritual, not an Islamic practice.- It is a blameworthy form of disguised debt.
- It fosters social pressure, show-off culture, and leads to resentment.
- It goes against the spirit of sincere giving, which should expect nothing in return.
Therefore, complete avoidance of Niyota is necessary.May Allah protect us from such un-Islamic customs. Āmīn.
