Should Customs Contrary to the Sunna Be Observed?

Question

Nowadays in every settlement there are so many restrictions and obligations that if a young man wishes to marry, he can barely do so, because the customs and practices of the settlement involve extravagance and things wholly contrary to the sunna. Should one go along with them or not? If we do not go along with them, the people of the settlement boycott us. What should we do at such a time?

Answer

One should indeed get along as far as one is able, and explain with good judgement and good character. Care should be taken to recount the blessed life of the Prophet ﷺ, of the noble Companions ﵃ and of other great elders, so that the wrongness of one’s own way becomes clear and a desire to follow them arises.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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