Posted by: TheMajlis

Question: A new form of Sadqah has been introduced by some Maulanas. In aid of some charity a banquet or a feast is organized. Only those who pay a sum, for example the R100 stipulated fee, are allowed to participate in the banquet. In exchange for the R100 a plate of food is given. The money collected in this way is for the charity for which the function has been organized. Men and women attend. Is this a form of Lillaah, and is this type of function permissible?

Answer: To understand the stupidity and nafsaaniyat of this type of function should not be difficult. Sadqah is money given in the Path of Allah Ta’ala with no motive other than the Pleasure of Allah Ta’ala. Sadqah is definitely not money given in exchange for a platter of food at a function of frivolity and nafsaaniyat.

This type of function is accompanied by several haraam factors which render the whole act evil and haraam.

1) In the name of charity men and women are exhorted to attend a public function in kuffaar style. The function is in emulation of kuffaar ways and styles. Tashabbuh bil kuffaar (imitating the kuffaar) is haraam. The purported ‘separate’ facilities for men and women at these western style banquets are a sham and constitute a mockery of the Qur’aanic law of Hijaab.

2) The organizers of the satanic banquet invite and exhort women to emerge from their homes in diametric conflict with the Qur’aanic prohibition as well as in conflict with the numerous Ahaadith prohibitions. When it is not permissible for women to attend even the Musjid for Salaat, by what stretch of reasoning can it ever be permissible for them to participate in a kuffaar style public function in a public hall?

3) Women come dressed in their finery, perfumed and adorned to attract, entice and show off. Their sham ‘burqah’ and ‘jilbaabs’ are designed for attraction.

4) Many females will come audaciously driving cars thereby ensuring maximum exposure. Women in the front seat are signs of Qiyaamah according to the Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

5) The intention of Sadqah which people make when buying their plate of food at the stupid banquet, is a mockery and a deceptive ruse which the organizers have implanted in the minds of the participants. Those who attend, paying R100 for a plate of food lack sincerity. If the intention is to contribute money as Sadqah in the Path of Allah Ta’ala, there is then no need for the allurement of a plate of food and participation in merrymaking in a mixed crowd of men and women. Sadqah, according to the exhortation of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is given with “the right hand in such a way that the left hand remains unaware”.

6) This type of westernized banquet is bereft of any Islamic fervour andis graced by many fussaaq and fujjaar.

7) Riya (show/ostentation), ujub (vanity) and takabbur (pride) are inherent characteristics of these kuffaar style banquets and functions.

People should at least be honest with themselves by refraining from self-deception. Sadqah is furthest from the mind when participating in banquets of merrymaking. Organizing, participation and buying food from these banquets, especially in the name of charity, are all haraam acts. Soiled garments cannot be cleansed and purified with urine.

NOT OBSOLETE: Islam is not an obsolete way of life which requires constant transformation for adaptation and progress. Islam is the Final and Perfected Deen which Allah Ta’ala has sent to mankind. Islam has its own unique ways and methods of accomplishment. These are shining and glittering ways which the Ummah has inherited from the Salf-e-Saaliheen originating with the era of the Sahaabah. Westernized methods and merrymaking banquets at which participants have to purchase tickets and pay for a platter of food are not among the ways and means of this Nooraani Shariah. Modernist and deviated molvis and sheikhs have embarked on a mission of deviation to ruin the Shariah and its adherents. It is imperative to be on guard against these wolves in sheep’s skins or in the words of the Hadith: ‘Shayaateen in human bodies.”