Hosting a “Sunnah method of Sleeping” party
Question:-
In our town, an institute is having a gathering where girls between the ages of 9 and 12 will be taught the Sunnah method of sleeping in a party form. They will be required to bring along their pyjamas. They will be hosting games, as well as talks. The programme will be between 9.30 and 12.00. Are these programmes acceptable in the light of Shariah? Is this not another Fitnah?
Answer:-
In all matters of Deen and Dunya, we are required to follow the way of life shown to us by Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, which is referred to as the “Sunnah”. Allah Ta’ala states in the Quraan Sharif, “There is certainly an excellent example in Allah’s Rasul for the one who fears Allah and the last day, and who remembers Allah abundantly.” [Re:- Surah Ahzaab, Verse 21]
The Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum loved Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam and every action of his so greatly, that they would emulate him in all matters. If Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam performed Salaah at a particular area whilst travelling, then Sahaaabah Radiallahu Anhum would also stop at the same place and perform Salaah, in emulation of the master Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. They would mimic his dressing, way of eating, sleeping, Salaah etc. However, this level of love and emulation was attained through remaining constantly in the company of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. In fact, Allah Ta’ala instructed Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam to remain with the Sahaabah, so that the nurturing of Sahaaba could be completed and perfected, as great Khulafa and leaders were to be produced from among them.
When a Sahaabi didn’t perform Salaah correctly as required, Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam commanded him to repeat his Salaah on three occasions. He then requested Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam to teach him how to perform Salaah correctly. It is only then that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam taught him how to perform Salaah correctly, as the desire within him was now created to perform a perfect Salaah.
When Umar Bin Abu Salmah was a young boy and partaking of meals with Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, he would eat from different sections of the utensil. Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “O young boy! Take the name of Allah and eat with your right hand and from the food that is closest to you.” He says that this then became his habit of eating. [Bukhari -Baab-us-Tasmiyati-Alat-Ta’aam-Wal-Akli-Bil Yameen]
Did Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam have some sort of “party”, or seminar, or workshop to educate the youth? No! He advised the young Sahaabi and that was all he did. It was sufficient for him to correct his way of eating. Our young boys and teenagers are simply required to spend time in the company of the righteous and pious and they will be reformed into jewels and pearls. They will become the leaders of the time, with the proviso that they remain with people that are genuine in their piety and are prepared to change. As for our young girls, their mother’s home can educate them and guide them towards Sunnah. This can be easily achieved by reading a Kitaab of Sunnah in the home daily, or at least a few times during the week. The results are truly phenomenal and furthermore, our homes will be filled with blessings.
The pamphlet advertising the “Sunnah Method of Sleeping”, is more a form of entertainment and fun for the young girls. Yes, we do understand that these are young girls and they would enjoy some leisurely activity, but matters of Deen should be kept in their proper perspective. Taleem of Deen is a serious matter and cannot be treated lightly. If an event of such a nature is approved at this stage, then perhaps a time will dawn where young children will only want to attend those Madrasahs where learning materials are filled with pictures and colouring; to teach practical Salaah, perhaps a picnic trip will be planned; to understand a discussion, a play will be hosted, and some of the characters in the play will play the part of the Ambiya and Sahaabah etc. which is undoubtedly incorrect and unacceptable. With regard to the gathering under question, it is possible that young girls will bring their pyjamas along and change at the venue, and it could happen that the Satr is exposed. If they attend the gathering already dressed in their night-clothes, then the shape of their bodies will be exposed before others which is all against Hayaa. These qualities are instilled within children from a young age, and not when they are teenagers. We also assume that the etiquettes of sleeping will be explained in 5-10 minutes, yet the entertainment will last for more than two hours.
In conclusion, we do not agree with these types of programmes although the intention may be noble. These type of programmes will open the doors of Fitnah in the future. We, therefore, advise that institutes should keep to the method of imparting knowledge that has been with us for the past fourteen centuries, and in this method lie our protection. May Allah Ta’ala guide us and the Ummah, and protect us from all Fitnah. Ameen!
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:-
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 15 Muharram 1444 / 14 August 2022