The Sweet Drink of Muharram

Question

In the days of Muharram people set up a free distribution of sweet drinks, or give food and drink — is this permissible or not? Is giving a donation for it permissible or haram?

Answer

This restriction [to Muharram] is likewise wrong and not established [in the Sacred Law]: even if it is the cold season, it is still a sweet drink that is served. A false belief is also involved in it, namely: it is well known about Hazrat Imam Husayn ﵁ that he was martyred while thirsty, and [it is supposed that] this sweet drink will reach him and quench his thirst.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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