Taimis And Wahhabis Consider Setting Apart A Day To Celebrate, Such As Teacher's Day, A Bid'at, A Sinful Innovation: Islamic Perspective
By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam
24 September 2024
Islamic Perspective on Teachers' Day Celebration
Main Points:
1. A social media query about the permissibility of celebrating Teachers' Day in Islamic beliefs.
2. Some scholars, particularly from the Wahabi and Deobandi sects, view it as a Bid’at (a disliked innovation).
3. While Islam does not explicitly prohibit showing respect and homage to teachers, there is a difference in opinion regarding the specific observance of a designated Teachers' Day.
4. The question does not revolve around the act of respecting and honoring teachers, but the concept of restricting this reverence to a specific day of celebration.
5. The author argues that celebrating Teachers' Day respectfully and meaningfully is permissible within Islamic guidelines, even if it is designated for a single day.
6. The Islamic legal maxim, "The Original state of things is Permissibility," states that no work is inherently prohibited under Islamic law unless explicitly forbidden in the Quran and Sunnah.
7. If an aspect does not violate any Islamic precepts, it is considered permissible and lawful within the Islamic framework.
8. However, the sectarian ideology deems any practices as bad innovations, demanding evidence to justify their permissibility.
9. The responsibility lies on followers of the ideology to provide substantial evidence from Islamic scriptures to validate their claims regarding the prohibition of specific practices.
-----
A few days ago, a person contacted me through social media with a query about the permissibility of celebrating Teachers' Day within Islamic beliefs. The individual was seeking clarification on whether such celebrations were seen as permissible or not. Upon being informed that some scholars, particularly those associated with the Wahhabi and Deobandi sects of Islam, consider celebrating Teachers' Day as an act of innovation, the person expressed surprise at this perspective. It may also surprise you to find out why this particular day of honouring teachers could be questioned and why some interpretations of Islam discourage this celebration. Let me delve into this further.
While Islam does not explicitly prohibit showing respect and homage to teachers, there is a distinction in opinion regarding the specific observance of a designated Teachers' Day. According to these scholars, the emphasis should be on respecting and honouring teachers every day and throughout the year, rather than singling out a particular occasion for celebration.
Their viewpoint asserts that setting aside a dedicated day, like Teachers' Day, is not aligned with Islamic teachings and is therefore considered an innovation. It is important to understand that this debate does not revolve around the act of respecting and honouring teachers, but it pertains to the concept of restricting this reverence to a specific day of celebration. In my response to the individual, I emphasized that while consistently demonstrating reverence to teachers without time limitations is highly encouraged in Islam, celebrating Teachers' Day in a respectful and meaningful manner is indeed permissible within Islamic guidelines, even if it is designated for a single day.
In response, I explained a well-known principle of Islamic jurisprudence, which I will share with you.
According to the consensus of the Hanafi, Shafi'i, and Zahiri scholars, as well as from the viewpoint of some within the Hanbali and Mu'tazilite schools of thought, the concept of Mubah—where all things are generally deemed permissible unless specifically prohibited by textual evidence—is widely accepted. This perspective finds support in the writings of renowned scholars like Alauddin b. Abdul Aziz Bukhari, who, in his profound work "Kashf al-Asrar," highlights the prevalent belief among the majority of Hanafi and Shafi'i jurists regarding the default permissibility of all matters.
Similarly, Imam Ibn Hammam further elucidates this stance by emphasizing that the preferred opinion among notable Hanafi and Shafi'i jurists leans towards the principle of permissibility, known as Ibahat. Consequently, the prevailing interpretation maintained by these eminent scholars underscores the underlying premise that in the absence of explicit textual restrictions, most things are initially considered permissible according to the principles of Islamic jurisprudence upheld by these esteemed schools of thought.
According to the Islamic legal maxim, "The Original state of things is Permissibility," it is crucial to understand that no work is inherently prohibited under Islamic law unless explicitly forbidden in the Quran and Sunnah. When analysing aspects that did not exist during the time of the Prophet (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) but arose out of necessity later on, it becomes necessary to evaluate their conformity with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. Any practice or innovation that conflicts with the established principles of the Quran and Sunnah is unequivocally deemed unlawful, forbidden, and aberrant. Conversely, if an aspect does not violate any Islamic precepts, it is considered permissible and lawful within the Islamic framework.
To label such practices as misguided or forbidden or condemned innovation would not only go against the foundation of Islamic principles but also lead to a deviation from the established system of distinguishing between what is permissible (halal) and what is forbidden (haram) in Islam. Adhering to the Quran and Sunnah in determining the permissibility or prohibition of actions is essential for upholding the integrity of Islamic jurisprudence and safeguarding the purity of Islamic teachings.
The ideology of Wahhabi mentality is defined by a strict interpretation that deems many practices as bad innovations, with proponents often demanding evidence to justify their permissibility. However, it is vital to question whether adherents of this ideology can provide concrete evidence from the Quran and Sunnah to support their stance on various acts. In situations where the Quran and Sunnah do not explicitly prohibit an action, it can be inferred that the act is inherently permissible. Consequently, the responsibility lies on the followers of Wahhabi mentality to provide substantial evidence from Islamic scriptures to validate their claims regarding the prohibition of specific practices.
If a festival or national or international day is devoid of any acts deemed anti-Islamic, then there should be no hesitation in actively participating and engaging in the celebrations. Participating in such events not only promotes harmony but also fosters a sense of unity among individuals of different backgrounds and beliefs.
Furthermore, when it comes to Teacher's Day, this occasion serves as a meaningful tribute to educators worldwide, emphasizing the invaluable contributions and dedication of teachers in shaping the future generations. The essence of Teacher's Day lies in instilling a deep-rooted sense of admiration and appreciation in students for their teachers. It is crucial that this respect is not just ephemeral but enduring, as teachers hold a revered position in society akin to that of a parent. The profound impact teachers have in shaping individuals' lives underscores the immense responsibility that comes with their esteemed role.
Teachers are entrusted with the noble duty of imparting knowledge, nurturing young minds, and acting as mentors and guides. In this regard, the significance of a teacher's role cannot be overstated. They serve as pillars of support, offering not just academic guidance but also emotional and moral compass to their students. The relationship between a teacher and their students should ideally mirror that of a nurturing parent-child dynamic, characterized by mutual respect, understanding, and care.
When both teachers and students embrace these sentiments wholeheartedly, the essence of Teacher's Day and similar occasions shines through, fulfilling their intended purpose of fostering meaningful connections and honouring the profound influence educators have in society. It is through such heartfelt gestures and acknowledgments that the bond between teachers and students strengthens, paving the way for a more enlightened and respectful community.
-----
A regular Columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is a Classical Islamic scholar with a rich Sufi Madrasa background and expertise in English-Arabic-Urdu translation. Throughout his career, he has emerged as a prominent figure in the realm of Islamic scholarship, consistently contributing valuable insights and analysis on a wide range of crucial topics. Through his regular writings, he has delved into multifaceted subjects, including but not limited to deradicalisation strategies, the promotion of moderation within Islamic teachings, counter-terrorism efforts, and the vital mission of combating Islamophobia. Moreover, he extensively addresses the urgent need to challenge radical ideologies through well-reasoned arguments and scholarly discourse. Beyond these critical issues, his work also encompasses in-depth discussions on human rights principles, the significance of safeguarding religious rights, and the profound exploration of Islamic mysticism.
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism