Offerings of Food for Saints

By Mufti Muhammad Kadwa
Posted: 10 Shawwal 1423, 15 December 2002


Q.) My question is regarding "niaz". In view of the Qur'anic verse of sura' nahl (16) and ayat # 114 and 115, what is the reality of niaz ? As most of the people use ghair-Allah's name on niaz. [Afnan]

A.) Any offering made in the name of someone other than Allah is prohibited and the consumption of such food is also prohibited.

In the food of Niaz, if the intention of the person serving the food is a form of offering to the saints, etc. the consumption of such food is prohibited. On the other hand, if the intention is charity or Isaal-e-Sawaab without the intention of an offering to the saints, such food may be consumed. However, since it is difficult to determine the exact intention of the person serving the food, it is best to abstain.

And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best