Going to the sea on one of the Wednesdays of the month of Safar

Q. It is customary for some Muslims to go to the sea on one of the Wednesdays of the month of Safar, and this is considered Ibaadah. Is this true?

A. First of all, it is important to understand that Allah Ta’ala has stated in the Qur’an-e-Kareem that Islam has been completed. Our Creator has also informed us that Nabi-e-Kareem (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) was sent to explain and teach the Ummat the message revealed to them in the form of the Qur’an-e-Kareem.

Furthermore, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) described the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum) as lights capable of guiding humanity. As for the Taabi‘in (Rahimahumullah), they received the message of Islam through the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum).

Thus, the Ummat received the message of Allah Ta’ala firstly in the form of the Qur’an-e-Kareem; secondly, through the teachings of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) in the form of Hadith; and finally, through the practices of the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum) and the Taabi‘in (Rahimahumullah), which served as a source of Hidaayah (guidance).

Is it an Ibaadah to go and perform “Safar”, as they say? No. Why? The answer is simple: there is no trace of such a practice in Islam. If it were an act of Ibaadah, the Qur’an-e-Kareem would have commanded it, or Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) would have taught it. And undoubtedly, the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum) and the Taabi‘in (Rahimahumullah) would have put it into practice.

Therefore, there is no doubt that this practice was invented, and in Islamic terminology, it is known as Bid‘ah (innovation). Bid‘ah is such a grave matter that the scholars of Islam have said committing a sin recognised by all as a sin is less serious than Bid‘ah—for the simple reason that one may eventually abandon the sinful act and make Taubah. However, with Bid‘ah, it is rare for a person to abandon it and repent, as he does not regard it as a sin but as an act of ‘Ibaadah. Yet Bid‘ah is far from being part of the Deen and has absolutely no connection with Islam.

Those who go to perform “Safar” justify this practice by claiming that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) felt relief from his illness on a Wednesday in the month of Safar, and they express joy by going for a “picnic” at the sea. However, the truth is quite the opposite. Historical records show that in reality, Nabi-e-Kareem (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) fell ill on a Wednesday in the month of Safar. Moreover, it was on a Monday that he felt slight relief when he drew aside the curtain to see the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum) performing Salah.

Even if we were to hypothetically accept that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) had felt better on a Wednesday in Safar (which, as mentioned, is incorrect), what did the Sahaabah (Radiyallaahu Anhum) do in response to this “recovery”? Despite their unparalleled love for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam)—they who would not let even his saliva or the water from his Wudhu touch the ground—they never celebrated by going to the sea on a Wednesday in the month of Safar.

It is clear that this practice has no place in Islam. Worse still, it is historically established that the illness of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) worsened on a Wednesday in the month of Safar. Which Muslim, worthy of the name, could find joy in such a sad and painful event?

Furthermore, the illicit activities that often accompany this practice—such as the intermingling of the sexes, immodest clothing, be-pardah behaviour, etc.—only aggravate the situation and render the act doubly Haraam. May Allah guide us to the straight path. Ameen.

[English version of "Aller à la mer un des mercredis du mois du Safar" – Al Haadi – Vol. 1 No. 10]