Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

My children are now learning the qaida (Introduction to the Holy Quran). However, soon inshAllah they will start with the reading of the Holy Quran.

On this occassion and to promote this deed to others and to encourage my children, can I celebrate and invite my relatvies ot my house on lunch.

Please advise as soon as possible because soon InshAllah they will finish the qaida.

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

Answer:

Invite for lunch to celebrate finish qaida

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Respected brother, there is absolutely no harm if you intend to hold a feast and invite your loved ones to enjoy the feast at any time of the year you will and please. 

Although it would seem harmless to hold a feast to celebrate and/or commemorate the event of your children starting the noble act of reciting the Glorious Quran, it would start a practice in the family and/or community that every child who starts or finishes the recitation of the Glorious Quran is expected to hold a feast…..and with the passage of time such seemingly harmless celebrations/commemorations become a burdensome rite and ritual in the family/society, and result in the formation of a hated ‘bida’ or innovation in the deen. 

Sahih Muslim Hadith 1885     Narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah

That the Prophet of Allah (saws) said in a sermon:  “The best speech is that which is embodied in the Book of Allah, the Al Quran;  and the best guidance is the guidance given by me, Mohamed (saws).   The most evil affairs are the innovations (bida), and every innovation (bida) is an error.”

Sunan of Abu-Dawood Hadith 4515  Narrated by Ali ibn AbuTalib

That the Prophet of Allah (saws) said: “If anyone introduces an innovation (bida in religion),  he will be responsible for it.   If anyone introduces an innovation (bida) or gives shelter to a man who introduces an innovation (bida), he is cursed by Allah,  by His Angels,  and by all the people!”

We absolutely assure you that there is absolutely nothing in the authentic and established Sunnah whereby the Messenger of Allah (saws) or his noble companions ever held a feast when their children started or finished the recitation of the Glorious Quran.

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 33 Surah Ahzab verse 21:

There is indeed the best example for you to follow in the Messenger of Allah, for every such person looks forward to Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much.

Thus my respected brother, you are at absolute liberty to hold a feast if and when you will, but it would be best to fear Allah and detach your feast from the occasion of your children starting or finishing the recitation of the Glorious Quran, lest you become instrumental or inspirational in starting an innovation or ‘bida’ in the deen.  And Allah Alone Knows Best.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone.  Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan