special feasts in memory of Ja'fer As-Sadiq

[taha taha]

Question:

1) In the month of Rajab (22nd day), the Shiites and some Sunnis celebrate a festival, with special feasts in memory of Ja'fer As-Sadiq
(رضى الله عنه). Is this correct?

2) It is believed that such festivals have a blessing in their food. Is this true?

Karam Elahi, Reading


Answer:

1) There are many festivals celebrated by various people which have no base in Islam, among them is this celebration in the month of Rajab. The method of celebrating this occasion is that special food is prepared on the 21st of Raj ab, then verses of the Qur'an are recited in the night, for the sake ofJa'fer (رضى الله عنه). Then on the 22nd of Rajab, the food is enjoyed by friends and relatives.

It is wrong in two ways:

i) it is an innovation and ii) Ja'fer (رضى الله عنه) did not pass away on 22nd Rajab, but confirmed historical evidence shows that he died on 15th Shawwal. However, the date is not an issue; if we are to celebrate in memory of Muslim personalities, then every day shall become a day of remembrance and celebration.

ii) Anything that has a confirmed base in the Qur'ân and Sunnah shall indeed bring Allâh's blessings and Mercy upon us. But, something with no evidence is an innovation (Bid'ah) which is a crucial issue. According to AI-Bukhari, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

مَنْ أَحْدَثَ فُي أَمْرِنَا هَذَا مَا لَيْسَ مِنْهُ فَهُوَ رَدٌّ

"If someone makes an addition to Shari'ah which we have not ordered, it will be rejected."
This means that instead of a reward, there shall be punishment.

Author/Scholar : The Late Maulana Mahmood Ahmed Mirpuri