Category: Fiqh
Among the odd fatwas: the prohibition of Ramadan lanterns! These days, fatwas are circulating among people that prohibit the use of these lanterns as an expression of joy for the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan. These fatwas are not based on any knowledge; rather, they rely on an ignorant understanding of the concept of innovation (bid’ah) and sectarian whispers. Some of these fatwas claim that the [Shi’ite] Fatimid State was the first to introduce these lanterns, hence the warning against using them stems from the desire not to resemble them in this practice!
This prohibition has no basis in truth: using lanterns in Ramadan is a matter of customs, intended to express joy for the arrival of the holy month. Designating them for this purpose, just like designating specific foods and drinks for Ramadan, has nothing to do with innovation or Sunnah!
As for the claim that the Fatimids were the first to introduce them, it is incorrect, and even if it were true, it wouldn’t be a sufficient reason for prohibition. This logic of prohibition does not make sense to any rational person, let alone a scholar! Unfortunately, we find ourselves compelled to respond to such fatwas with the merest fraction of our intellects, telling them: the Fatimids were the first to build the Al-Azhar Mosque, so is enriching it with knowledge and worship prohibited because they were the ones to introduce it?! I wouldn’t be surprised if some fools busy themselves distinguishing between its enrichment with knowledge and worship and the use of lanterns to celebrate Ramadan.
Moreover, the practice of illuminating Ramadan with lanterns and chandeliers is a Sunnah initiated by Umar bin Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) in mosques, making their light brighter during the Isha and Tarawih prayers of Ramadan nights, thus giving the increase in lighting with chandeliers during Ramadan a special memory and an unforgettable tradition.
It has been conveyed through various means – collectively confirming the report, and it suffices that some of them are proven from some of the Tabi’un (the second generation of Muslims, who saw the Companions of the Prophet but not the Prophet himself) indirectly from Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) – that Ali bin Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) would say when he saw the lanterns brightening the mosques in Ramadan nights, “May Allah illuminate for Umar bin Al-Khattab as he illuminated the mosques of Allah.”
And Al-Azraqi (d. 250 AH) in his book “Akbar Makkah” (2/98), Al-Fakihi (d. 272 AH) in “Akbar Makkah” also (2/204), and Al-Fasi (d. 832 AH) in “Shifa’ al-Gharam bi Akhbar al-Balad al-Haram” (1/313) mentioned: that the Holy Mosque was especially brightened with more lanterns and chandeliers during Ramadan, making it brighter than during the rest of the year and other seasons. Al-Azraqi and Al-Fakihi died before the existence of the Fatimid State.
The proponents of these absurd fatwas have narrowed people’s lives and prohibited what Allah Almighty has not prohibited by their mere whims. We seek refuge in Allah from ignorance and extremism.
Al-Sharif Hatim Al-'Awni 