Islamic Ruling on Nazar for Husayn and Niyaz of Karbala in Muharram

Written by: Qari Usama bin Abdul-Salam

Nazar for Husayn or Niyaz for Ahl al-Karbala in Muharram​

The practice of making a vow (nazar) or distributing food (niyaz) in the name of Imam Husayn (RA) or Ahl al-Karbala during the days of Muharram is a sensitive matter connected to belief, intention, and the principles of Shari‘ah.


We explain this issue in the light of the Qur’an, Hadith, fiqh principles, and the statements of the Salaf:

Ruling on Nazar for Husayn or Niyaz for Ahl al-Karbala in Muharram​

If the nazar or niyaz is made in the name of anyone other than Allah, such as:

• "This food is being prepared in the name of Imam Husayn (RA)."
• "This niyaz is for Ahl al-Karbala."
• "If my work is completed, I will give a cauldron of food in the name of Hazrat ‘Abbas (RA)."

…then this act falls under:


Shirk in Nazar and Bid‘ah.

Evidence and Shari‘ah Position​

➊ Nazar is only for Allah
Allah ﷻ says:


يُوفُونَ بِالنَّذْرِ
(Surah al-Insan: 7)
"They fulfill their vows."


This refers only to vows made for Allah, not for any saint, Imam, or martyr.


➋ The Prophet ﷺ declared Nazar as an act of worship – only for Allah
Hadith:


مَنْ نَذَرَ أَنْ يُطِيعَ اللَّهَ، فَلْيُطِعْهُ، وَمَنْ نَذَرَ أَنْ يَعْصِيَ اللَّهَ، فَلَا يَعْصِه
(Bukhari 6696)
"Whoever vows to obey Allah should fulfill it, and whoever vows to disobey Allah should not do so."


Imam al-Nawawi, Ibn Hajar, and other scholars explain:

• Vowing to anyone other than Allah is directing an act of worship to other than Allah, which is shirk.

➌ Niyaz for Husayn or Ahl al-Bayt

• If done for blessing (tabarruk), worship, or seeking nearness to someone other than Allah – it is haram and bid‘ah.
• If done merely to express love, it is still an innovation because neither the Prophet ﷺ nor the Sahabah (RA) did this.

Innovations Introduced Later​

Examples include:

• "Imam Husayn’s Deg"
• "‘Abbas Alamdar’s Niyaz"
• "Degs of Ahl al-Karbala"
• "Vows for Ghazi"

These practices were unknown in the early generations and originated later, influenced by Shi‘i beliefs.

What is permissible?​

If someone gives general charity—feeding the poor or giving water—purely for Allah’s sake without connecting it to Muharram or Husayn (RA), it is permissible and recommended.

Action	Ruling
Nazar/niyaz for Allah	Permissible
Nazar for other than Allah (e.g., Husayn, ‘Abbas)	Shirk
Niyaz in Muharram with belief it’s special	Bid‘ah
General charity for Allah	Good deed
Cauldron of food as vow for non-Allah	Forbidden

Summary​

• Nazar for Husayn or Niyaz of Ahl al-Karbala in Muharram is bid‘ah and in some cases shirk.
• Nazar and niyaz must be solely for Allah’s pleasure, without acts of worship or honor directed to anyone else.

Important Note​

Loving Imam Husayn (RA) and Ahl al-Bayt (RA) is part of faith.
However, using their love to justify acts outside Shari‘ah—such as vows, niyaz, taziyah processions, flags, and ceremonial cauldrons—is innovation and false practice.