Question:-
Regarding the “First Eid” (after someone passes away), is this a valid Islamic practice or would it be considered Bid’ah?
My relative passed away during Ramadaan and his wife will be serving her Iddah. However, the family want to have Eid at her home. They argue that it is to give her company and allow her to have a happy Eid as well. Please clarify what would be the ideal Eid for a women in iddah. Also, are distant family members and non-Mahrams permitted to enter her home to celebrate Eid?
Answer:-
The custom of making it obligatory on all family members to spend the “first Eid” at the home of a deceased relative (after his demise) is an innovation having no basis whatsoever in Shariah. Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said, “Beware of innovating new practices, for verily every new practice (in Deen) is a Bid’ah, and every Bid’ah is misguidance, and every misguidance (will lead a person) into Jahannam.”
The proofs of Shariah are derived from four sources namely, the Quraan, the Sunnah, Ijmaa (consensus of the Ummah) and Qiyaas (analogical deductions). Making it incumbent on family members to spend the “first Eid” at the residence of the deceased cannot be proven from any of these sources, and neither did Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, the Sahaabah or the Tabi’een engage in such a practice.
Yes, there is no problem if the widows close family members and Mahaarim visit her on the day of Eid, or prepare food and partake of meals with her, but making it obligatory on all close and distant family members to visit and partake of meals at the widow’s residence is incorrect. Also, on such occasions, the laws of Purdah are openly violated, as females tend to serve food to the males, freely greet Non-Mahram males and engage in casual chats and conversations with them etc. Also, Non-Mahram males feel that they haven’t fulfilled their duty if they didn’t meet the widow and console her, whereas, they too, are supposed to be observing Purdah from her.
In some instances, the estate hasn’t been dissolved and minors (that haven’t yet reached the age of puberty) are heirs to the deceased estate. Their funds are being used to feed the electricity and water bill, and their belongings in the house (such as the furniture) is being used by the guests, which totally incorrect. Even if the minors consent to the family members utilising the premises and agree to feed the bill from their funds, then too their consent is not valid in terms of Shariah. These are important matters that are overlooked just so that an innovated custom is upheld. We, therefore, advise abstention from such gatherings. May Allah Ta’ala guide us to righteousness and grant us the correct understanding of Deen. Ameen!
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 17 Ramadaan 1443 / 19 April 2022
