Shar‘i Ruling on Attending Invitations by Deviant or Innovating IndividualsDerived from: Fatawa ‘Ulama-e-Hadith, Kitab al-Salah, Volume 1
❖ Question:
Is it permissible to attend the invitation (e.g., wedding banquet or ‘Aqiqah) of a person holding deviant beliefs or engaging in religious innovations (bid‘ah)?
❖ Answer:
The Shar‘i ruling on attending such invitations depends on the intention behind attending and the possible influence of such interaction. The following principles should be observed:
❖ Shar‘i Guidelines
✔ Attending with the Intention of Reform
If the purpose of attending is to engage positively, with the hope of correcting the individual’s beliefs or encouraging them toward the truth—
and if your own beliefs and practices are not at risk—then such attendance is permissible.
➤ In this case, reward may also be attained, provided there are no unlawful or anti-Islamic activities in the event.
✔ Avoiding the Invitation When There’s a Risk
If there is a fear of being influenced, or it is evident that your presence will not have a positive effect, then it is better to avoid such gatherings.
➤ Avoiding the event may discourage them from their misguided ways or innovations, and could prompt self-reflection on their part.
❖ Important Conditions for Attending
Before deciding to attend such an invitation, ensure the following:
① There are no un-Islamic activities or acts in violation of Shari‘ah during the event.
② Your own faith and actions remain protected from any fitnah or influence.
❖ Summary
If the intention is sincere reform, and the event is free from un-Islamic elements, attendance is allowed.
If there is a risk of misguidance, or no hope for reform, then abstaining is preferable.
Each case should be evaluated according to circumstances and intentions, ensuring steadfastness on Deen and promoting positive change.وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
