Sharʿi Ruling on “Khatm” and “Giyarhveen” Meals – Complete Guidance
Source: Aḥkām wa Masāʾil – ʿAqāʾid kā Bayān, Volume 1, Page 70
❶ Doubt regarding rice served in Masjid Quba Ahl-e-Ḥadīth during Ramadan:
In Ramadan, rice and other food items are brought to Masjid Quba Ahl-e-Ḥadīth. There is a suspicion that these rice might have been served after a “Khatm” (an innovated ritual). Is it permissible to eat such rice or not?
❷ Friend’s opinion about eating food from a Khatm:
An Ahl-e-Ḥadīth friend says that if food from a Khatm is eaten, there is no harm, and it can be considered as a general invitation. However, we have always considered it a bidʿah (innovation) and, for this reason, have refrained from eating it until now. Please clarify what we should do and what is the ruling on eating such food.
❸ Sharʿi clarification regarding “Giyarhveen” (11th of Rabiʿ al-Thani gatherings):
Kindly provide a clear explanation in the light of Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ about giving and eating food for “Giyarhveen,” so that the doubts in our minds are removed, and we can live according to the Sunnah.
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā baʿd:
◈ Rituals like Khatm, Niyāz, and Giyarhveen have no basis in the Qur’an or Sunnah.
◈ Such practices fall under the category of bidʿah in religion, from which complete abstinence is obligatory.
◈ Therefore, it is necessary to avoid “Khatm” food.
◈ If there is only suspicion or assumption that food came from a Khatm, and there is no certain knowledge of it, this suspicion alone does not make the food ḥarām.
◈ Unnecessary doubt holds no Sharʿi weight.
That is, if there is no proof that the food was indeed brought as part of an innovated ritual, then there is no harm in eating it.
◈ Holding “Giyarhveen,” serving food, or offering Niyāz for it — none of these acts are established in the Qur’an or Sunnah.
◈ Participating in the promotion of such bidʿah is an action against the Sunnah.
◈ There is no evidence of such gatherings or meals from the Companions (رضي الله عنهم), the Tābiʿīn, or any reliable Salaf al-Ṣāliḥīn.
◈ Therefore, giving or eating food for Giyarhveen is also an innovation and should be avoided.
◈ It is obligatory to refrain from Khatm, Giyarhveen, and other unfounded rituals.
◈ If there is only doubt about whether the food was part of a Khatm and there is no certain proof, then eating it is permissible.
◈ Avoid eating food that is clearly linked to an innovation, and strive to live according to the Sunnah.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
(This is what I hold to be correct, and Allah knows best what is right.)
Source: Aḥkām wa Masāʾil – ʿAqāʾid kā Bayān, Volume 1, Page 70
Question with Detailed Answer in Light of Qur’an and Sunnah:
❶ Doubt regarding rice served in Masjid Quba Ahl-e-Ḥadīth during Ramadan:
In Ramadan, rice and other food items are brought to Masjid Quba Ahl-e-Ḥadīth. There is a suspicion that these rice might have been served after a “Khatm” (an innovated ritual). Is it permissible to eat such rice or not?
❷ Friend’s opinion about eating food from a Khatm:
An Ahl-e-Ḥadīth friend says that if food from a Khatm is eaten, there is no harm, and it can be considered as a general invitation. However, we have always considered it a bidʿah (innovation) and, for this reason, have refrained from eating it until now. Please clarify what we should do and what is the ruling on eating such food.
❸ Sharʿi clarification regarding “Giyarhveen” (11th of Rabiʿ al-Thani gatherings):
Kindly provide a clear explanation in the light of Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ about giving and eating food for “Giyarhveen,” so that the doubts in our minds are removed, and we can live according to the Sunnah.
Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā baʿd:
① Avoidance of food from Khatm is necessary
◈ Rituals like Khatm, Niyāz, and Giyarhveen have no basis in the Qur’an or Sunnah.
◈ Such practices fall under the category of bidʿah in religion, from which complete abstinence is obligatory.
◈ Therefore, it is necessary to avoid “Khatm” food.
② Food cannot be declared ḥarām based on mere doubt
◈ If there is only suspicion or assumption that food came from a Khatm, and there is no certain knowledge of it, this suspicion alone does not make the food ḥarām.
◈ Unnecessary doubt holds no Sharʿi weight.
That is, if there is no proof that the food was indeed brought as part of an innovated ritual, then there is no harm in eating it.
③ Sharʿi status of Giyarhveen gatherings
◈ Holding “Giyarhveen,” serving food, or offering Niyāz for it — none of these acts are established in the Qur’an or Sunnah.
◈ Participating in the promotion of such bidʿah is an action against the Sunnah.
◈ There is no evidence of such gatherings or meals from the Companions (رضي الله عنهم), the Tābiʿīn, or any reliable Salaf al-Ṣāliḥīn.
◈ Therefore, giving or eating food for Giyarhveen is also an innovation and should be avoided.
Conclusion:
◈ It is obligatory to refrain from Khatm, Giyarhveen, and other unfounded rituals.
◈ If there is only doubt about whether the food was part of a Khatm and there is no certain proof, then eating it is permissible.
◈ Avoid eating food that is clearly linked to an innovation, and strive to live according to the Sunnah.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
(This is what I hold to be correct, and Allah knows best what is right.)
