ICTruth.info

An evidence filled answer from the Muftee of the Ummah, Shaykhul-Islaam ’Abdul-’Azeez Ibn Baaz (d.1420H) concerning the yearly innovation of the Mawlid. The Shaykh wrote this lengthy answer in response to a question from a Muslim in India.

All praise is for Allaah; and may prayers and peace upon the Messenger of Allaah, his followers and his companions.

Every year, on the evening of October 31st, millions of children across North America paint their faces, dress up in costumes, and go door to door collecting treats. The adults often decorate their houses with ghostly figures, carve scary faces on pumpkins, and put candles in them to create "Jack-O-Lanterns." Unfortunately, among the millions of North Americans indulging in this custom, many are also Muslims. This article will shed some light on the significance and origins of Halloween, and why Muslims should not participate in it.

Introduction

Praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the Worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.

"Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months, so it was ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four (Dhul-Qidah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab) are Sacred.."
[soorah At-Tawbah, v:36]

Praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and all his family and companions.

Praise be to Allaah Who has perfected our religion for us, and has completed His Favour upon us. And blessings and peace be upon His Prophet and Messenger Muhammad, the Prophet of repentance and mercy.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about the things that people do on ‘Aashooraa’, such as wearing kohl, taking a bath (ghusl), wearing henna, shaking hands with one another, cooking grains (huboob), showing happiness and so on. Was any of this reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in a saheeh hadeeth, or not? If nothing to that effect was reported in a saheeh hadeeth, is doing these things bid’ah, or not? Is there any basis for what the other group do, such as grieving and mourning, going without anything to drink, eulogizing and wailing, reciting in a crazy manner, and rending their garments?

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ