Question:
Is it permissible to visit Hindu fairs and festivals such as Dussehra, Purnima, Chhath, etc., for the purpose of buying and selling or just for roaming around? What is the ruling on other fairs like book fairs, etc.?
Is it permissible to visit Hindu fairs and festivals such as Dussehra, Purnima, Chhath, etc., for the purpose of buying and selling or just for roaming around? What is the ruling on other fairs like book fairs, etc.?
Answer:
If it is a commercial fair, such as a book fair or a trade exhibition, there is no harm in attending. However, attending a Hindu religious fair, whether for commercial purposes or just for roaming, is not permissible because these places involve the worship of deities other than Allah and numerous acts of shirk (polytheism). It is not permissible for a Muslim to go to places where acts of polytheism are performed, and there are often scenes of immorality.
Allah Almighty says:
"O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful." (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:90)
These disbelievers and polytheists are unjust people, and befriending them, sitting with them, or socializing with them is prohibited. We should keep our distance from them to protect ourselves from disbelief and polytheism. Allah says:
"And if Satan should cause you to forget, then do not remain after the reminder with the wrongdoing people." (Surah Al-An'am, 6:68)
Participating in Hindu fairs would be considered cooperation in acts of shirk and Allah has forbidden cooperation in sinful acts. Allah's command is:
"And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty." (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:2)
Therefore, one should avoid going to places where sinful and immoral acts are performed. In a hadith, it is narrated that once Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) invited the Prophet (peace be upon him) for a meal. When the Prophet came and saw pictures in the house, he turned back. The hadith states:
"I prepared food and invited the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). He came and saw pictures in the house, so he turned back." (Sahih Ibn Majah: 2724)
If the presence of pictures made the Prophet turn back, then how can it be permissible to go to places where multiple acts of shirk, various evils, and even immoral dancing take place?
Similarly, it is not permissible to attend fairs associated with Barelvi gravesite festivals, as they have turned graves into places of worship. The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade this:
"Do not turn your houses into graves, and do not make my grave a place of celebration, but send prayers upon me, for your greeting will reach me no matter where you are." (Sahih Abi Dawud: 2042)
If we encounter sinful acts, we should avoid participating in or supporting them; instead, we should strive to eradicate them. This is our duty of dawah (inviting to Islam) and part of our faith.
And Allah knows best.
Maqbool Ahmed Salafi
Jeddah Dawah Center
If it is a commercial fair, such as a book fair or a trade exhibition, there is no harm in attending. However, attending a Hindu religious fair, whether for commercial purposes or just for roaming, is not permissible because these places involve the worship of deities other than Allah and numerous acts of shirk (polytheism). It is not permissible for a Muslim to go to places where acts of polytheism are performed, and there are often scenes of immorality.
Allah Almighty says:
"O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful." (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:90)
These disbelievers and polytheists are unjust people, and befriending them, sitting with them, or socializing with them is prohibited. We should keep our distance from them to protect ourselves from disbelief and polytheism. Allah says:
"And if Satan should cause you to forget, then do not remain after the reminder with the wrongdoing people." (Surah Al-An'am, 6:68)
Participating in Hindu fairs would be considered cooperation in acts of shirk and Allah has forbidden cooperation in sinful acts. Allah's command is:
"And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty." (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:2)
Therefore, one should avoid going to places where sinful and immoral acts are performed. In a hadith, it is narrated that once Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) invited the Prophet (peace be upon him) for a meal. When the Prophet came and saw pictures in the house, he turned back. The hadith states:
"I prepared food and invited the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). He came and saw pictures in the house, so he turned back." (Sahih Ibn Majah: 2724)
If the presence of pictures made the Prophet turn back, then how can it be permissible to go to places where multiple acts of shirk, various evils, and even immoral dancing take place?
Similarly, it is not permissible to attend fairs associated with Barelvi gravesite festivals, as they have turned graves into places of worship. The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade this:
"Do not turn your houses into graves, and do not make my grave a place of celebration, but send prayers upon me, for your greeting will reach me no matter where you are." (Sahih Abi Dawud: 2042)
If we encounter sinful acts, we should avoid participating in or supporting them; instead, we should strive to eradicate them. This is our duty of dawah (inviting to Islam) and part of our faith.
And Allah knows best.
Maqbool Ahmed Salafi
Jeddah Dawah Center
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