Ta‘ziya and Shi‘i Mourning Rites

Question

Our elders had made a vow that we would make a ta‘ziya (a replica of Imam Husayn’s tomb carried in Muharram processions), and up to now this has been observed. We and our elders are Sunnis and Hanafis. Now some people forbid [it], saying that making a ta‘ziya is forbidden, while the Ahl al-Sunna [here] are convinced that if they abandon the custom of their elders, harm will surely befall them. The questioner requests [clarification]: what ruling does the noble Sacred Law give on making a ta‘ziya? 2.

Answer

(1) A vow to [make] a ta‘ziya is not valid. Those elders who made such a vow and began making it were in error and became sinners on account of this act; and it is not permissible for you to follow them in this act. Never make a ta‘ziya or the like — give it up absolutely; no harm whatsoever will come. Making a ta‘ziya, offering nadhr and niyaz (votive offerings and food)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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