Excerpt from the book "Bid‘āt-e-Rajab wa Sha‘bān" by Shaykh Abu Adnān Muhammad Munīr Qamar (Translator, Supreme Court, Khobar, Saudi Arabia)
During the month of Rajab, halwa is distributed in the name of Imām Ja‘far al-Sādiq رحمه الله, presented in the form of "Koonday", a baseless and self-invented act of worship. Similarly, gatherings are held on the night of Shaykh ‘Abdul Qādir al-Jīlānī رحمه الله’s birth, and animals are sacrificed in his name.
The same occurs in the names of other saints like Khwāja Ghareeb Nawāz, Khwāja Banda Nawāz, and Mīrān Dātā, where animals are slaughtered. These gatherings are often accompanied by free mixing of men and women, drumming, flag processions, and various other actions that are not only disconnected from Islam but are also unacceptable to any person of sound nature. These assemblies have nothing to do with the teachings of Islām.
Such fairs and gatherings occur throughout the year in the Indo-Pak subcontinent, while in Egypt, Yemen, and Aden, innovations are practiced under different saintly names. All research-oriented scholars of Islām and people of insight are agreed that these are innovations and misguidance. Those who insist on justifying them are perhaps not entirely to blame—since the sweetness of halwa seems to have blinded their reason and perception.
Some people prepare a special dish (Ṣahnak) in the name of Sayyidah Fāṭimah al-Zahrā’ رضي الله عنها during Rajab. Restrictions are placed on who may eat from it—such as no men, no former concubines, no women who have remarried, or those of lower lineage or immoral character. Specific ingredients, including certain vegetables and henna, must be included.
Others celebrate a ritual called “Rajabī.” These acts have no basis in Islamic Sharī‘ah; they are self-made offerings to other than Allah, innovated specifically in the subcontinent.
This also applies to the Koonday (food offerings) claimed to be in the name of Sayyidunā Ḥamzah رضي الله عنه and Imām Ja‘far al-Sādiq رحمه الله. Guests, also mockingly referred to as “Koonday Eaters,” are advised to consume the halwa indoors as it is prepared and meant to be eaten under the roof—“secretly.”
There is indeed wisdom in keeping such falsehoods indoors, as nothing religious, moral, or social justifies their exposure. The origin of this practice is not found in Qur'ān, Sunnah, or among the Salaf but based entirely on a fabricated story, which we summarize here:
A poor woodcutter from Madinah left in search of sustenance and remained away for twelve years. His wife, in his absence, began working at a minister’s palace. One day, while sweeping, Imām Ja‘far al-Sādiq رحمه الله passed by and inquired about the date, being 22nd Rajab. He then said:
“If anyone is in distress, he should buy new Koonday, fill them with puris (fried bread), recite Fātiḥah for me, and make du‘ā using my name. If his problem isn’t solved, he may hold onto my garment on the Day of Judgement.”
Upon hearing this, the wife followed the instructions, and miraculously, the woodcutter found a hidden treasure and returned rich. The wife built a mansion across from the palace. The minister’s wife, upon discovering the truth, dismissed the tale, suspecting theft.
Eventually, the couple was falsely accused of killing the prince (whose head was allegedly found in a melon in their possession) and sentenced to death. While in prison, the wife repented and vowed to perform the Koonday. Miraculously, the prince returned, and the couple was saved and honored. Subsequently, the king and the populace began performing Koonday rituals.
① Imām Ja‘far al-Sādiq رحمه الله is falsely quoted with arrogant words completely unlike his character.
② Historical Falsehood: There was never a king or minister in Madinah during his time. He was born either in 80 AH or 83 AH and died in 148 AH. During his life, the capital was either Damascus (Umayyad) or Baghdad (Abbasid)—not Madinah.
③ His birth or death did not occur on 22nd Rajab—he died on 15th Shawwāl. So what is being celebrated on 22nd Rajab?
Some claim that 22nd Rajab marks the death of Sayyidunā Mu‘āwiyah رضي الله عنه, and these rituals are performed as a celebration by those who hate him. The general public, unaware, joins in thinking it’s an act of piety. The fabricated tale of the Koonday was invented later to cover this motive.
To clarify, Allah alone is the One Who hears supplications and removes hardships. He said:
وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ...
(Surah al-Baqarah: 186)
“When My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the supplicant when he calls upon Me...”
ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ
(Surah Ghāfir: 60)
“Call upon Me, I will respond to you.”
اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَعَلَى اللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ
(Surah Taghābun: 13)
“There is no deity but Allah, so let the believers put their trust in Him alone.”
أَمَّنْ يُجِيبُ الْمُضْطَرَّ إِذَا دَعَاهُ...
(Surah al-Naml: 62)
“Who responds to the distressed one when he calls upon Him and removes evil?”
فَلَا كَاشِفَ لَهُ إِلَّا هُوَ
(Surah al-An‘ām: 17, Surah Yūnus: 107)
“If Allah afflicts you with harm, none can remove it but Him.”
These verses make it clear that relief from distress is only from Allah, not through Koonday, saints, or invented means.
The belief in Imām Ja‘far al-Sādiq’s intercession through Koonday mirrors Christian concepts:
➤ Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross for their sins.
➤ Catholics confess to a priest for forgiveness.
This innovation (bid‘ah) similarly grants false hope of forgiveness and paradise through man-made rituals.
Imām Ja‘far al-Sādiq رحمه الله came from a noble family known for piety and simplicity, not indulgence. The Prophet ﷺ and his family lived lives of poverty:
"The family of Muhammad ﷺ never ate their fill of barley bread for two consecutive days..."
(Bukhārī, Muslim)
"...he passed away without ever being fully satisfied with barley bread..."
(Bukhārī: 5414)
"His shield was mortgaged to a Jew for barley..."
(Bukhārī)
"Not even a measure of wheat remained in the house of the Prophet ﷺ overnight..."
(Bukhārī: 2069)
Can it be imagined that such a noble personality would have anything to do with halwa, Koonday, or fabricated miracles?
① Such rituals have no basis in narration, intellect, or revelation.
② If people consider Koonday an easy route to Paradise, they’re deceived. Salvation is only through righteous deeds and Allah’s mercy.
Even Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi, the founder of Barelvi school, in his book Aḥkām al-Sharī‘ah, pg. 55, cited:
"Whoever insults Mu‘āwiyah رضي الله عنه is a dog from the dogs of Hell."
How then can people celebrate Koonday on the day of his death?
(Reference: Ta‘līmāt Shāh Ahmad Raza Khān Barelvi by Mawlānā Ḥanīf Yazdānī)
The Koonday of Rajab is a baseless innovation, with roots in fabricated tales, sectarian motives, and cultural myths, having no place in Islam. Islam teaches us to rely on Allah alone, follow authentic Sunnah, and avoid rituals linked to shirk, exaggeration, and superstition.
✦ Innovations of Rajab: The Koonday, Halwa, and Ceremonies
◈ Distribution of Halwa in the Name of Imām Ja‘far al-Sādiq (رحمه الله):
During the month of Rajab, halwa is distributed in the name of Imām Ja‘far al-Sādiq رحمه الله, presented in the form of "Koonday", a baseless and self-invented act of worship. Similarly, gatherings are held on the night of Shaykh ‘Abdul Qādir al-Jīlānī رحمه الله’s birth, and animals are sacrificed in his name.
The same occurs in the names of other saints like Khwāja Ghareeb Nawāz, Khwāja Banda Nawāz, and Mīrān Dātā, where animals are slaughtered. These gatherings are often accompanied by free mixing of men and women, drumming, flag processions, and various other actions that are not only disconnected from Islam but are also unacceptable to any person of sound nature. These assemblies have nothing to do with the teachings of Islām.
Such fairs and gatherings occur throughout the year in the Indo-Pak subcontinent, while in Egypt, Yemen, and Aden, innovations are practiced under different saintly names. All research-oriented scholars of Islām and people of insight are agreed that these are innovations and misguidance. Those who insist on justifying them are perhaps not entirely to blame—since the sweetness of halwa seems to have blinded their reason and perception.
✦ The Dish (Ṣahnak) of Lady Fāṭimah and Rajabī Rituals:
Some people prepare a special dish (Ṣahnak) in the name of Sayyidah Fāṭimah al-Zahrā’ رضي الله عنها during Rajab. Restrictions are placed on who may eat from it—such as no men, no former concubines, no women who have remarried, or those of lower lineage or immoral character. Specific ingredients, including certain vegetables and henna, must be included.
Others celebrate a ritual called “Rajabī.” These acts have no basis in Islamic Sharī‘ah; they are self-made offerings to other than Allah, innovated specifically in the subcontinent.
✦ The Koonday of Rajab and a Fabricated Tale:
This also applies to the Koonday (food offerings) claimed to be in the name of Sayyidunā Ḥamzah رضي الله عنه and Imām Ja‘far al-Sādiq رحمه الله. Guests, also mockingly referred to as “Koonday Eaters,” are advised to consume the halwa indoors as it is prepared and meant to be eaten under the roof—“secretly.”
There is indeed wisdom in keeping such falsehoods indoors, as nothing religious, moral, or social justifies their exposure. The origin of this practice is not found in Qur'ān, Sunnah, or among the Salaf but based entirely on a fabricated story, which we summarize here:
❖ Summary of the Fabricated Story of the Koonday:
A poor woodcutter from Madinah left in search of sustenance and remained away for twelve years. His wife, in his absence, began working at a minister’s palace. One day, while sweeping, Imām Ja‘far al-Sādiq رحمه الله passed by and inquired about the date, being 22nd Rajab. He then said:
“If anyone is in distress, he should buy new Koonday, fill them with puris (fried bread), recite Fātiḥah for me, and make du‘ā using my name. If his problem isn’t solved, he may hold onto my garment on the Day of Judgement.”
Upon hearing this, the wife followed the instructions, and miraculously, the woodcutter found a hidden treasure and returned rich. The wife built a mansion across from the palace. The minister’s wife, upon discovering the truth, dismissed the tale, suspecting theft.
Eventually, the couple was falsely accused of killing the prince (whose head was allegedly found in a melon in their possession) and sentenced to death. While in prison, the wife repented and vowed to perform the Koonday. Miraculously, the prince returned, and the couple was saved and honored. Subsequently, the king and the populace began performing Koonday rituals.
❖ Analysis of the Fabricated Tale:
① Imām Ja‘far al-Sādiq رحمه الله is falsely quoted with arrogant words completely unlike his character.
② Historical Falsehood: There was never a king or minister in Madinah during his time. He was born either in 80 AH or 83 AH and died in 148 AH. During his life, the capital was either Damascus (Umayyad) or Baghdad (Abbasid)—not Madinah.
③ His birth or death did not occur on 22nd Rajab—he died on 15th Shawwāl. So what is being celebrated on 22nd Rajab?
✦ The Real Reason Behind 22nd Rajab Koonday:
Some claim that 22nd Rajab marks the death of Sayyidunā Mu‘āwiyah رضي الله عنه, and these rituals are performed as a celebration by those who hate him. The general public, unaware, joins in thinking it’s an act of piety. The fabricated tale of the Koonday was invented later to cover this motive.
✦ Refutation with Qur’ān and Sunnah:
To clarify, Allah alone is the One Who hears supplications and removes hardships. He said:
❖ Qur’ānic Verses:
وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ...
(Surah al-Baqarah: 186)
“When My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the supplicant when he calls upon Me...”
ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ(Surah Ghāfir: 60)
“Call upon Me, I will respond to you.”
اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَعَلَى اللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ(Surah Taghābun: 13)
“There is no deity but Allah, so let the believers put their trust in Him alone.”
أَمَّنْ يُجِيبُ الْمُضْطَرَّ إِذَا دَعَاهُ...(Surah al-Naml: 62)
“Who responds to the distressed one when he calls upon Him and removes evil?”
فَلَا كَاشِفَ لَهُ إِلَّا هُوَ(Surah al-An‘ām: 17, Surah Yūnus: 107)
“If Allah afflicts you with harm, none can remove it but Him.”
These verses make it clear that relief from distress is only from Allah, not through Koonday, saints, or invented means.
✦ Parallels with Christian Beliefs:
The belief in Imām Ja‘far al-Sādiq’s intercession through Koonday mirrors Christian concepts:
➤ Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross for their sins.
➤ Catholics confess to a priest for forgiveness.
This innovation (bid‘ah) similarly grants false hope of forgiveness and paradise through man-made rituals.
✦ Reality of the Household of the Prophet ﷺ:
Imām Ja‘far al-Sādiq رحمه الله came from a noble family known for piety and simplicity, not indulgence. The Prophet ﷺ and his family lived lives of poverty:
"The family of Muhammad ﷺ never ate their fill of barley bread for two consecutive days..."
(Bukhārī, Muslim)
"...he passed away without ever being fully satisfied with barley bread..."
(Bukhārī: 5414)
"His shield was mortgaged to a Jew for barley..."
(Bukhārī)
"Not even a measure of wheat remained in the house of the Prophet ﷺ overnight..."
(Bukhārī: 2069)
Can it be imagined that such a noble personality would have anything to do with halwa, Koonday, or fabricated miracles?
✦ Legal Verdict: Innovations Have No Basis
① Such rituals have no basis in narration, intellect, or revelation.
② If people consider Koonday an easy route to Paradise, they’re deceived. Salvation is only through righteous deeds and Allah’s mercy.
❖ The Verdict of Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi:
Even Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi, the founder of Barelvi school, in his book Aḥkām al-Sharī‘ah, pg. 55, cited:
"Whoever insults Mu‘āwiyah رضي الله عنه is a dog from the dogs of Hell."
How then can people celebrate Koonday on the day of his death?
(Reference: Ta‘līmāt Shāh Ahmad Raza Khān Barelvi by Mawlānā Ḥanīf Yazdānī)
Conclusion:
The Koonday of Rajab is a baseless innovation, with roots in fabricated tales, sectarian motives, and cultural myths, having no place in Islam. Islam teaches us to rely on Allah alone, follow authentic Sunnah, and avoid rituals linked to shirk, exaggeration, and superstition.
