Completion of the Qur’an

Source: Bida’ an-Nas Fil-Qur’an, by Abu Anas, Ali ibn Husain Abu Loaz, published by Dar al-Watan.

The Completion of the Qur’an

1) A feast after the completion of the Qur’an:

A Walima (feast or wedding banquet) is recommended to be given on the occasion of marriage. It is reported that when ‘Abdur-Rahman ibn ‘Auf  (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) told the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) that he got married, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said to him: “Give a wedding banquet, even if with one sheep.” [Al-Bukhari]

A feast or celebration on the occasion of completing the recital of the Qur’an, however, is not known or affirmed by the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) nor the rightly-guided Caliphs. Had they themselves done it, it would have been transmitted to us as were all the other Islamic laws. Therefore, celebrating the completion of the recital of the Qur’an is an innovation. Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “He who innovates things in our affairs for which there is no valid (reason), commits a sin and they are to be rejected.” [Muslim] And in another version: “He who did any act for which there is no sanction from us, that is to be rejected.” [Muslim]

2) Offering food, beverages and sweets after the completion of the Qur’an in Ramadan:

It has not been affirmed by the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam), or his Companions, or the followers, or the Imams of the predecessors to offer food, drinks or sweets when one completes the recital of the Qur’an in Ramadan. Therefore, it is an innovation in the religion as it is done right after an act of worship, and it is done for that particular reason and at that particular time.

All innovations in the religion are misguidance, as it makes the religion seem incomplete without these acts.

Al-Irbad ibn Sariyah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “One day the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) delivered a speech which greatly moved us, on account of which eyes shed tears and hearts became frightened. We said to him: ‘O Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam)! This sermon seems like the last advice. So advise us.’ He (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: ‘I admonish you to fear Allah, and to hear and obey even a slave who may be put in authority over you. Those of you who shall live after me, will soon notice a lot of differences (and much discord). So hold fast to my Sunnah and the Sunnah (way and practices) of my rightly guided Caliphs who will come after me. Adhere to them and hold fast to them. Beware of new things (innovation in religion) because every innovation leads to the wrong path (misguidance).’” [Abu Dawoud]

Anas ibn Malik (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “He who innovates things in this religion for which there is no evidence, is claiming that Muhammad has failed to deliver the message.”  For Allah Almighty said:

“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” Al-Ma’idah 5:3, and what was not from the religion at that time then, is not from our religion today.

However, if it happens occasionally with no commitment, then it is permissible. [Fatawa of the Permanent Committee no. 2740]

I ask Allah Almighty to accept our good deeds and make this effort purely for His Sake and that He adds this to my scale, for He is the Most Generous, the Bountiful and I ask Him to make us of those who recite the Qur’an, ponder over its verses and act upon them. He is All-Hearing, Most Near.