Let’s begin with a question that cuts straight to the heart: when you stand before Allah on the Day of Judgment, do you think He will ask you, “Did you celebrate Kunda? Did you observe Gyarvi? Did you honor Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi?” Absolutely not. The first questions will be about your Salah, your fasting, and whether you fulfilled the Fard duties He prescribed.
So, why do we get caught up in these extra rituals and festivals that were never part of Islam? Are they bringing us closer to Allah, or are they pulling us further away from the pure faith that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) left for us?
Imagine this: you have a glass of pure, clean water straight from a pristine spring. Would you go outside to search for dirty, muddy water to mix with it? Of course not! It would ruin the purity of the water, making it undrinkable.
Islam is that pure water—complete, unaltered, and perfect. Allah says in the Quran:
"This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion" (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:3).
When we add rituals like Kunda, Gyarvi, or Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, we are, in effect, mixing muddy water into the purity of Islam. These practices, however well-intentioned, dilute the essence of our faith and deviate from the straight path.
Where Did These Practices Come From?
The festivals and rituals that many celebrate today, especially in the Indo-Pak subcontinent, often have roots in cultural or political movements—not Islam.
Kunda and Gyarvi: These rituals involve cooking specific foods and “dedicating” them to saints or deceased loved ones, as if the food somehow benefits the dead. But Islam teaches us to make dua and give sadaqah for the deceased—not to perform rituals that resemble non-Islamic traditions.
Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi: The celebration of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) birthday began centuries after his time. It was introduced as a political tool to unite followers under certain sects and has no basis in the Quran or Hadith. Islam doesn’t endorse celebrating birthdays, not even of the greatest human to ever walk this earth.
Shab-e-Barat: This night is treated by some as a festival of blessings and food distribution, but there’s no evidence for these practices in Islam. It’s another example of cultural habits being labeled as religious obligations.
When Culture Mixes with Religion
The cultural influences in the Indo-Pak subcontinent have led to a mix of Islamic practices and local traditions. Let’s be honest: some of these rituals are indistinguishable from practices of other religions in the region. Take the concept of dedicating food to the dead—this isn’t Islamic. Islam is clear that the deceased do not need food; what benefits them are duas, charity in their name, and the good deeds they left behind.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) warned against innovations in religion. He said:
"Whoever innovates something into this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it, it will be rejected" (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim).
So, when we engage in these extra festivals and rituals, we’re not just wasting time and resources—we’re committing a sin by practicing Bid’ah (innovation).
What Will Happen If We Keep Adding to Islam?
There’s a Hadith that should shake every Muslim to their core: On the Day of Judgment, some people will come to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), seeking his intercession. But he will turn his face away from them and say:
"Be off, be off, those who changed the religion after me!" (Sahih Bukhari).
Think about that for a moment. Imagine standing before the Prophet (ﷺ), the one we claim to love, and being turned away because we prioritized cultural innovations over the teachings he left for us.
The Purpose of Festivals in Islam
Islam gives us Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha—two festivals rooted in acts of worship and obedience to Allah. They’re not just about celebration; they’re about reflection, gratitude, and spiritual renewal.
Eid al-Fitr comes after Ramadan, a month of fasting and seeking forgiveness. It’s a celebration of Allah’s mercy, not a free pass to indulge in extravagance.
Eid al-Adha is tied to Hajj and the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). It’s a reminder of submission, sacrifice, and the importance of sharing with those in need.
These festivals are simple, pure, and deeply meaningful. They don’t require grand ceremonies, extra rituals, or cultural add-ons.
A Heartfelt Reminder
Dear brothers and sisters, Islam is not just a set of rituals—it’s a complete way of life. When we follow it as it was revealed, we find peace, clarity, and closeness to Allah. But when we start adding to it, we stray from the straight path and risk Allah’s displeasure.
If you’re still unsure, go back to the Quran and Hadith. You’ll find that these cultural festivals have no basis in the teachings of Islam. And remember: on the Day of Judgment, Allah will ask about your prayers, your fasting, your zakat—not about whether you celebrated Kunda, Yarvi, or any other innovation.
So, let’s protect the purity of our faith. Let’s drink from the pure water of Islam, untainted by the muddy waters of cultural influence. And let’s ensure that our worship is for Allah alone, as He commands us:
"Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.'" (Surah Al-An’am 6:162).
Hold fast to the truth, because the truth is enough.
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