Question
There is a local custom in our area where people organize a weekly "Khatam" every Thursday. On this day, the entire Qur‟an is recited for a deceased one, du„a is made and afterward lunch or dinner is served to relatives and neighbors as sadaqah. Different individuals even pre-book upcoming Thursdays for arranging these gatherings. I understand that this practice is bid„ah, but I would like clarification: how should this be categorized? Is it completely haram, makruh, mubah, or conditionally permissible? I am concerned that stopping it may create social tension (fitnah), especially since my mother, sisters and cousins may strongly resist. I am unsure whether I will be able to prevent it entirely. After 30-40 days, a larger event called "Qull" (a final Khatam gathering) is usually organized by the family. This gathering includes a religious speech (bayan), du„a & serving food. Is this completely haram?
Answer
Bid'ah is completely haraam. The khatam functions you have mentioned are haraam. You as the son being the Wali, should stop the practice regardless of the criticism. The Haqq incumbently brings criticism in its wake. The so-called social tension is just the natural effect of observing the Haqq. Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) created the greatest social tension with his Message of Tauheed. You are aware of the sufferings of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and the Sahaabah for having observed the Deen. The Mu'min's objective is the Pleasure of Allah Ta'ala, not the pleasure of the people. If you are so weak that you are unable to prevent the haraam bid'ah, then at the minimum, do not participate in it. Absent yourself and make known your reason for not participating.
The 40 day khatam function is worse. It is not permissible to eat the mal-oon food served at the haraam function.
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- The Majlis Vol 28 No 07
- PDF page
- 6
Verbatim verified against the source PDF
Appears under MEMORY & SINS. This heading is the nearest headline at or before the page and is approximate. Do not cite it alone.