رسم و رواج کی صورتیں اور ان کی شرعی حیثیت

Forms of Customs and Traditions and Their Legal (Shar‘i) Status.

Abstract

This study examines the nature of customs and traditions and evaluates their status within Islamic law. Customs play a foundational role in shaping human societies, with each community preserving its cultural practices across generations. However, Islamic law does not accept these customs merely as cultural heritage; rather, it establishes clear criteria for their legitimacy. Any custom that contradicts the principles of monotheism, acts of worship, or core moral values is deemed impermissible. Throughout history from the era of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to the present scholars have formulated legal rulings while considering the prevailing customs of their societies, ensuring that Muslims can practice Islam within their cultural contexts.

The significance of this topic lies in the widespread presence of non-Islamic and unnecessary customs among Muslims today, which contribute to religious innovation, social corruption, and moral as well as financial harm. Conversely, some customs are beneficial, ethically sound, and supportive of social order. Distinguishing between acceptable and unacceptable customs is therefore essential for the intellectual and moral development of an Islamic society.

This research employs Qur’anic and Hadith sources, classical jurisprudential literature, social observations, and a comparative study of traditional and contemporary scholarly opinions. The aim is to clarify the Islamic criteria for evaluating customs and to facilitate their proper application.

Findings indicate that Islam provides a comprehensive framework for assessing customs: practices that promote justice, morality, and social welfare are permissible, whereas those that harm faith or cause social disorder are rejected. Consequently, this study offers guidance for structuring societal traditions in accordance with authentic Islamic teachings.