Is the Ta‘ziya One of the Emblems (Sha‘a’ir) of Islam?

Question

Be it known that although the ta‘ziya custom (تعزیہ داری — carrying the ta‘ziya, a model of the tomb of Husayn ﵁, in Muharram) is haram, in India this custom has taken on the form of a religious rite, so much so that the Hindus have come to regard it as one of the emblems (sha‘a’ir) of the Muslims. Out of inner hatred they sometimes actively strive to put an end to it, and wherever they deem the occasion opportune and find the Muslims weak they stir up strife (fasad)

Answer

To count the custom of ta‘ziya among the emblems (sha‘a’ir) of Islam is ignorance and misguidance; it has no connection with Islam whatsoever. Whoever applies reflection and thought will find it evident what a disgrace and shame this custom is for Islam and for the martyrs of Islam, and that it is the way of the enemies of the Ahl al-Bayt (the Prophet’s ﷺ household)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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