Blame for Not Adhering to Customs
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Fatwa No. ( 21654 )
Q: There is a custom among employees in general and teachers in particular. When a new teacher arrives at the beginning of the school year, or a teacher is transferred from the school, they collect money for him and hold a dinner party to welcome the newcomer and bid farewell to the one being transferred. It appears to us that this is a good custom, as it does not contradict the Shari'ah. However, the problem is that some teachers, if they see a colleague who did not participate in this feast or did not attend, they criticize and blame him, because in their opinion he has neglected a social obligation and a good custom that everyone follows. They say: People have become accustomed to these customs, and Islam supports custom and acts upon it. My question, O honorable Shaykh, consists of two parts: 1 - Does people’s agreement on a good custom make it obligatory in the Shari'ah? 2 - Is there anything in the Shari'ah called a “social obligation,” such that if a person violates it, it is valid to blame and criticize him? I ask you to kindly elaborate on this issue, because a discussion arose among some teachers regarding this matter, and some of them insisted that what people have agreed upon as customs must be followed.
People have upon them customs that must be acted upon.
A: Harmony, love, and cooperation are required among Muslims in general, and the lawful means that lead to them are also required. However, it is not permissible to compel anyone to participate in these gatherings, nor is it permissible to speak ill of someone’s reputation for not participating. This is because compelling what is not obligatory in the Shari'ah is not permissible, as it is a cause of hatred and animosity among Muslims. And whatever is of this nature must be abandoned. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: There is a custom among employees in general and teachers in particular. When a new teacher arrives at the beginning of the school year, or a teacher is transferred from the school, they collect money for him and hold a dinner party to welcome the newcomer and bid farewell to the one being transferred. It appears to us that this is a good custom, as it does not contradict the Shari'ah. However, the problem is that some teachers, if they see a colleague who did not participate in this feast or did not attend, they criticize and blame him, because in their opinion he has neglected a social obligation and a good custom that everyone follows. They say: People have become accustomed to these customs, and Islam supports custom and acts upon it. My question, O honorable Shaykh, consists of two parts: 1 - Does people’s agreement on a good custom make it obligatory in the Shari'ah? 2 - Is there anything in the Shari'ah called a “social obligation,” such that if a person violates it, it is valid to blame and criticize him? I ask you to kindly elaborate on this issue, because a discussion arose among some teachers regarding this matter, and some of them insisted that what people have agreed upon as customs must be followed.
People have upon them customs that must be acted upon.
A: Harmony, love, and cooperation are required among Muslims in general, and the lawful means that lead to them are also required. However, it is not permissible to compel anyone to participate in these gatherings, nor is it permissible to speak ill of someone’s reputation for not participating. This is because compelling what is not obligatory in the Shari'ah is not permissible, as it is a cause of hatred and animosity among Muslims. And whatever is of this nature must be abandoned. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.