Black Friday Deals
Question:-
Is it permissible to have specials and advertise using the title of ‘black Friday?’ Plenty of our Muslim brothers and sisters are advertising under the ‘Black Friday’ banner degrading our Mubarak day. Kindly advise further!
Answer:-
It is recorded in a narration of Musnad Ibn Abi Shaybah that the day of Jumuah is the leader of the days and the day greatest by Allah Ta’ala. In fact, it is greater than the day of Eid-ul-Adha and Eid-ul-Fitr. It is on this day that Allah Ta’ala created Hadrat Adam Alaihis Salaam, and it is on the day of Jumuah that Allah Ta’ala sent him to the earth, and it is on this day that He granted death to Adam Alaihis Salaam. There is a time on the day of Jumuah wherein a servant is granted whatever he asks for, as long as he doesn’t ask for Haraam, and finally Qiyaamah will take place on the day of Jumuah.
The above Hadith clearly indicates to us the lofty position of the day of Jumuah. Therefore, we, as Muslims, shouldn’t blindly follow the Kuffar in every matter, even though many may argue that this is a business-related event. Our Deen is complete and governs every aspect of our lives. How can we, as Muslims, accept that the day of Jumuah is referred to a “black” day? In fact, perhaps a major portion of the Ummah desire to depart for their eternal journey towards the hereafter on the day of Jumuah. It is such a blessed day that the one that passes away on the day of Jumuah is protected from questioning in the grave. The Ulama have written that, if there is no questioning in the grave, then there is hope that there wouldn’t be any questioning on the day of Qiyaamah as well, which means that one will ultimately enter Jannah Insha’Allah. This means that death on the day of Jumuah could mean an easy journey to Jannah.
Can such a day then be referred to as a “black” day? Never! It is the most blessed and brightest day of the week for every believer; hence, even the weakest of believers are blessed with the good fortune of attending the Jumuah Salaah and prostrating before their Creator on this day. Why didn’t they have their promotion on a Sunday which is a revered day of the Christians, and refer to it as ‘Black Sunday’, or, on a Saturday which is a revered day of the Jews, and refer to it as ‘Black Saturday’? It would have been far more convenient to have the promotion on the weekend as many do not work on the weekend and could shop with ease and comfort. Why the great and honourable day of the Muslims had to be selected and given the most unpleasant title? These enemies of Islam are filled with hatred for the Muslims but unfortunately, we simple-minded gullible Muslims will never awaken from our sleep and slumber. We will continue following their ways and imitating their lifestyle even though it will lead to our destruction in this world and the hereafter.
Yes, there is no harm putting out our special offers at the same time when others are advertising their products, as majority of the population wait to do their shopping at this time. This is a different matter altogether, just as all businesses advertise and market their goods at the end of the month when people usually do their monthly shopping. However, our Niyyat and intention should be to earn our sustenance for which we will be rewarded Insha’Allah. Our promotions flyers and adverts should not be titled as ‘Black Friday specials/deals’ rather it should be a normal promotion and sale just like how we would advertise throughout the year. Allah Ta’ala provides for us throughout the year and we will receive what is destined for us during this period as well. In conclusion, we, as Muslims, should revere and honour the great days in our Deen and not blindly utilize the terminologies of the Kuffar. Rizq and sustenance is only from Allah Ta’ala and not from any promotion. May Allah Ta’ala bless us with the understanding of these matters. Ameen!
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 19 Rabi-ul-Aakhir 1444 / 14 November 2022