Refuting the ones that support celebration of national day


Question 454

There are fatawa by the scholars in the past stating that yaum Al watan or National day in Saudi Arabia is a bidah and warning against participating in any celebration which is not legislated. However, there are some scholars of Saudi Arabia considers it is permissible to select this day and stated that the people should celebrate this day because it is obedience to the ruler and he says people should use this day to give thanks to Allah. When one who supports this innovation was advised that there is no obedience to the creation while disobeying the Creator, one blind follower accused us of disobeying and disrespecting the rulers and ulamaa and we have no knowledge compared to him. What is the refutation of these people who say this. May Allah reward you with good.

Answer :

The summary of what the Shaykh told, celebrating the national day is bidah and it is from imitation of disbelievers. The Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) didn’t celebrate the national day when he formed the Islamic state in Madinah.

The scholars who make it permissible say that this is from the worldly affairs. And I advise the brothers not to dispute among themselves in these matters and they can clarify the truth and leave the dispute.

Answered by : Shaykh Abu Bilal Al Hadhrami

Translated the summary of the answer by : AbdunNoor Al Hindi.