Written by: Maulana Abul Hasan Mubashir Ahmed Rabbani
Question:
What is the Islamic perspective on participating in festivals and fairs? Is it permissible to eat items distributed at such places?
Answer:
In Islam, there is no concept of festivals and fairs as seen today, particularly those associated with shrine celebrations. The various objectionable practices involved are evident to any sensible person: the use of drums, music, dancing, gambling, alcohol, and opium are rampant. Participating in such gatherings is a sin. During the pre-Islamic period, people used to organize fairs, a tradition now widely adopted by some who identify as Muslims. At these festivals, there are individuals who prostrate before graves, an act that constitutes clear shirk (associating partners with Allah). Prostration is due to Allah alone. Furthermore, it is not permissible to offer anything in the name of Allah at such places.
It is narrated from Thabit bin Dahhak (may Allah be pleased with him):
"A man vowed to slaughter a camel at a place called Buwanah, so he asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) about it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) asked, 'Were there any idols from the days of ignorance (pre-Islamic period) worshipped at that place?' The companions replied, 'No.' The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'Fulfill your vow, but remember, a vow cannot be fulfilled if it involves disobedience to Allah or something that a human does not own.'"
[Abu Dawood, Book of Oaths and Vows: Chapter on What is Commanded Regarding Fulfillment of Vows, Hadith 3313; Baihaqi 10/83]
From this authentic Hadith, it is clear that there is no concept of fairs in Islam, and if a place involves worship of anyone other than Allah, it is not permissible to make vows there in the name of Allah. When making vows is not permissible, how can consuming the items from such places be allowed?
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also made a supplication:
"O Allah! Do not let my grave be turned into an idol (object of worship). Allah’s curse is upon those who turn the graves of their Prophets into places of worship."
[Musnad Ahmad 2/246, Musnad Al-Humaydi 1025]
Similarly, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Do not turn my grave into a place of celebration (festival site)."
[Abu Dawood, Book of Pilgrimage: Chapter on Visiting Graves, Hadith 2042]
Therefore, do not participate in such festivals, nor consume any vows or offerings from those places.
Question:
What is the Islamic perspective on participating in festivals and fairs? Is it permissible to eat items distributed at such places?
Answer:
In Islam, there is no concept of festivals and fairs as seen today, particularly those associated with shrine celebrations. The various objectionable practices involved are evident to any sensible person: the use of drums, music, dancing, gambling, alcohol, and opium are rampant. Participating in such gatherings is a sin. During the pre-Islamic period, people used to organize fairs, a tradition now widely adopted by some who identify as Muslims. At these festivals, there are individuals who prostrate before graves, an act that constitutes clear shirk (associating partners with Allah). Prostration is due to Allah alone. Furthermore, it is not permissible to offer anything in the name of Allah at such places.
It is narrated from Thabit bin Dahhak (may Allah be pleased with him):
"A man vowed to slaughter a camel at a place called Buwanah, so he asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) about it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) asked, 'Were there any idols from the days of ignorance (pre-Islamic period) worshipped at that place?' The companions replied, 'No.' The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'Fulfill your vow, but remember, a vow cannot be fulfilled if it involves disobedience to Allah or something that a human does not own.'"
[Abu Dawood, Book of Oaths and Vows: Chapter on What is Commanded Regarding Fulfillment of Vows, Hadith 3313; Baihaqi 10/83]
From this authentic Hadith, it is clear that there is no concept of fairs in Islam, and if a place involves worship of anyone other than Allah, it is not permissible to make vows there in the name of Allah. When making vows is not permissible, how can consuming the items from such places be allowed?
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also made a supplication:
"O Allah! Do not let my grave be turned into an idol (object of worship). Allah’s curse is upon those who turn the graves of their Prophets into places of worship."
[Musnad Ahmad 2/246, Musnad Al-Humaydi 1025]
Similarly, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Do not turn my grave into a place of celebration (festival site)."
[Abu Dawood, Book of Pilgrimage: Chapter on Visiting Graves, Hadith 2042]
Therefore, do not participate in such festivals, nor consume any vows or offerings from those places.