Bid'ah

Participating in khatams and salaami

Q:

1. I have advised my family that on my passing they should not hold any gathering of 3, 10 or 40 days but instead make dua for me to get the sawaab. Please advise if this was right or wrong.

2. I also do not attend any zikr or khatam programmes organised by my family and gave them the reason that I have noticed that during these events, the programme continues into salaah times thus many miss their salaah. Please commment.

3. I am asked again and again as to why I do not stand for salami and why I do not read salami. Can Mufti give me an answer that will satisfy them. I advised them that as far as I know the Angels deliver the salaam and durood to Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and also that I do not believe that my Nabi is present in these gatherings.

Whirling dervishes, long zikr programs and burying someone with a piece of the Ka'bah cloth

Q: Clarification on zikr, self hypnosis in regard to some sufi practices.

1. Are self-hypnosis techniques like whirling dervishes common during the Rumi era, haraam? Are their practices considered a bid'ah?

2. Likewise many groups hold zikr sessions which last a long time. It includes chanting, is this considered a bid'ah?

3. Many buzurgs get buried with a small part of the kiswa fabric. Is this considered a bid'ah? Is calling any of these practices openly a bid'ah, haraam?