Darul Uloom Trinidad & Tobago

QUESTION:

As Salaamu Alaykum
What does Islam says about cultures and customs? Some People says Culture and Customs are Islamic, but how can that be? Some of them are coming from the Hindus like some customs (are they Halal?) in marriage etc. Can you give me the answer to my questions.

ANSWER:

Wa Alaikum As Slaam,

Culture and customs that are Un-Islamic, and are against the teachings of Islam, are not acceptable in Islam and cannot be practiced. However, those that do not violate or oppose the teachings of Islam will be acceptable and accommodated in Islam. Therefore, if an act has become the culture of the people or has become a custom, but there is a ruling of the Shariah which states that it is not permissible, then that will not be allowed in Islam and cannot be practiced.

If however, there is no ruling of impermissibility or prohibition, then if there is good in it, it can be practiced by Muslims, and if there is bad in it, it must be avoided.

And Allah Knows best

Mufti Waseem Khan

28/11/2017