Barsi

The practice of “Barsi” refers to an annual commemoration of the death anniversary of a loved one, often accompanied by gatherings, recitation of Quran, du’a, and sometimes cultural or specific traditional elements. Whether this is permissible in Islam depends on the details of the practice and its alignment with Quran and Sunnah.

1. Permissible Acts (Within Shariah):

   • Reciting Quran and making du’a for the deceased is permissible and encouraged.

     “And those who came after them say, ‘Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith.’” (Quran 59:10)

     • Praying for the forgiveness of the deceased is a clear act of worship in Islam.

   • Giving Sadaqah (charity) on behalf of the deceased is recommended, as it benefits the deceased.
     The Prophet ﷺ said:

     “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity), knowledge that benefits others, or a righteous child who prays for him.” (Sahih Muslim 1631)

2. Non-Permissible Acts:

   • If Barsi involves acts that contradict Islam, such as:
     • Cultural innovations (Bid’ah): Introducing specific rituals or gatherings not sanctioned in the Quran or Sunnah.
       • The Prophet ﷺ said: “Every innovation is misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Fire.” (Muslim 867)
     • Excessive mourning or wailing: Wailing or lamenting the deceased excessively is forbidden.
       The Prophet ﷺ said: “He is not one of us who strikes his cheeks, tears his clothes, and utters the cries of the Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic ignorance).” (Sahih Bukhari)
     • Feasting or extravagant gatherings: Holding large feasts or gatherings in the name of the deceased can place an unnecessary financial burden on families and is not an Islamic practice.
     • Associating Barsi with beliefs that the deceased’s soul benefits only through the ceremony is not correct. The Quran and Sunnah prescribe specific ways to benefit the deceased, like du’a and sadaqah.

3. The Issue of Bid’ah (Innovation):

   • If Barsi becomes an obligatory annual tradition, it risks falling into the category of Bid’ah (innovation in religion).
   • Islam emphasizes simplicity and avoiding rituals not directly rooted in the practice of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions.

• Permissible:

  • Making du’a for the deceased.
  • Reciting the Quran sincerely.
  • Giving charity on their behalf.

• Not Permissible:

  • Introducing innovative rituals that are not supported by Quran or Sunnah.
  • Associating superstitious beliefs with the practice.
  • Excessive mourning, wailing, or extravagant gatherings.