Assalaamu 'alaikum, Muhataram Mufti Saheb,Our Madressa will be ten years old in July and we would like to know if it is permissible to celebrate our 10th anniversary by having a public Jalsa ?

Respected Brother-in-Islam

Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatuhu

There are two aspects here, one celebrating the ten year anniversary and the other having a Jalsa. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'Whosoever imitates a nation is from among them.'

Celebrating an anniversary, for, example, wedding, project, etc. is a common and salient practice of the Kuffaar. As Muslims, we should distance ourselves from every practice commonly practised and attributed to the Kuffaar. As regards having a Jalsa, since it is in the context of celebrating a ten year anniversary, it will have no Deeni benefit as is the purpose in general Jalsas.

Furthermore, such celebrations have many negative factors that is detrimental to one's spirituality. It creates I'ejaab (ostentatiousness) in one. Rather, Du'aa should be made to Allah to accept the efforts of the past and seek forgiveness for the shortcomings. We will celebrate only in Jannah when Allah Ta'ala will announce the acceptance of our deeds and grant us His pleasure. Following the ways of the Kuffaar deprives us from the mercy and assistance of Allah Ta'ala.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.