Special Foods for Shab-e-Barat, Shab-e-Miraj, and Ashura
Fatwa by: Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him)
Question:
There are some traditions that we have inherited and continue to practice, such as making cakes and biscuits on Eid al-Fitr, setting a table with meat and fruits on 27th Rajab (Shab-e-Miraj) and 15th Sha'ban (Shab-e-Barat), and preparing a special type of Halwa on Ashura of Muharram. What is the Shariah ruling on these practices?
Answer:
Regarding the expression of joy on the occasions of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, there is no harm in it as long as it is within the bounds of Shariah. Part of expressing happiness is through eating and drinking, etc. It is established from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that he said:
"The days of Tashreeq are days of eating, drinking, and remembering Allah, the Mighty and Sublime."
[Narrated by Ahmad and An-Nasa'i]
The days of Tashreeq refer to the three days following Eid al-Adha, during which people perform sacrifices, eat its meat, and enjoy the blessings of Allah. Similarly, there is no harm in expressing joy and happiness on Eid al-Fitr within the boundaries of Shariah.
As for holding special events on the occasions of Shab-e-Miraj, Shab-e-Barat, and Ashura, not only are these practices nonexistent in Shariah, but they are also prohibited. Therefore, if a Muslim is invited to participate in such events, they should refuse.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Beware of newly invented matters (in religion), for every newly invented matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misguidance."
[Narrated by Ahmad, Abu Dawood, At-Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah]
Regarding the 27th of Rajab, some people claim it is Shab-e-Miraj, but this is not historically proven, and anything that is not proven is false, and anything based on falsehood is also false.
Even if we accept that the 27th of Rajab is indeed Shab-e-Miraj, it would still not be permissible to celebrate it because neither the Prophet (peace be upon him) nor his companions (may Allah be pleased with them) celebrated it. They were the closest to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the most keen on following the Shariah. Thus, how can we deem permissible something that did not exist in the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his noble companions?
Similarly, there is no special veneration or vigil for Shab-e-Barat proven from the Prophet (peace be upon him). However, some of the Tabi'un (successors of the companions) are known to have observed vigil in the form of prayer and remembrance on this night.
Regarding Ashura of Muharram, when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about fasting on this day, he said:
"It expiates the sins of the past year."
Expressions of joy or mourning on this day are absolutely impermissible and contrary to the Sunnah. Apart from fasting on this day, nothing else is proven from the Prophet (peace be upon him). The fasting should also include a day before or after Ashura to differentiate from the Jews, who would fast only on the day of Ashura.
Fatwa by: Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him)
Question:
There are some traditions that we have inherited and continue to practice, such as making cakes and biscuits on Eid al-Fitr, setting a table with meat and fruits on 27th Rajab (Shab-e-Miraj) and 15th Sha'ban (Shab-e-Barat), and preparing a special type of Halwa on Ashura of Muharram. What is the Shariah ruling on these practices?
Answer:
Regarding the expression of joy on the occasions of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, there is no harm in it as long as it is within the bounds of Shariah. Part of expressing happiness is through eating and drinking, etc. It is established from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that he said:
"The days of Tashreeq are days of eating, drinking, and remembering Allah, the Mighty and Sublime."
[Narrated by Ahmad and An-Nasa'i]
The days of Tashreeq refer to the three days following Eid al-Adha, during which people perform sacrifices, eat its meat, and enjoy the blessings of Allah. Similarly, there is no harm in expressing joy and happiness on Eid al-Fitr within the boundaries of Shariah.
As for holding special events on the occasions of Shab-e-Miraj, Shab-e-Barat, and Ashura, not only are these practices nonexistent in Shariah, but they are also prohibited. Therefore, if a Muslim is invited to participate in such events, they should refuse.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Beware of newly invented matters (in religion), for every newly invented matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misguidance."
[Narrated by Ahmad, Abu Dawood, At-Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah]
Regarding the 27th of Rajab, some people claim it is Shab-e-Miraj, but this is not historically proven, and anything that is not proven is false, and anything based on falsehood is also false.
Even if we accept that the 27th of Rajab is indeed Shab-e-Miraj, it would still not be permissible to celebrate it because neither the Prophet (peace be upon him) nor his companions (may Allah be pleased with them) celebrated it. They were the closest to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the most keen on following the Shariah. Thus, how can we deem permissible something that did not exist in the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his noble companions?
Similarly, there is no special veneration or vigil for Shab-e-Barat proven from the Prophet (peace be upon him). However, some of the Tabi'un (successors of the companions) are known to have observed vigil in the form of prayer and remembrance on this night.
Regarding Ashura of Muharram, when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about fasting on this day, he said:
"It expiates the sins of the past year."
Expressions of joy or mourning on this day are absolutely impermissible and contrary to the Sunnah. Apart from fasting on this day, nothing else is proven from the Prophet (peace be upon him). The fasting should also include a day before or after Ashura to differentiate from the Jews, who would fast only on the day of Ashura.