Answer
The aforementioned practice is unfortunately very widespread in different parts of the world. Consequently, it has been based on a narration which has been classified as a fabrication by the masters of Hadith, i.e. Hafiz Sakhawi (RA) (AlMaqaasidul Hasana pg.450); Hafiz Ibnuddaiba (Tamyeez uthayba pg.171-2); Hafiz Ibn Taahir al-Fattaany (Tazkiratul Mawdhoo’aat pg.34); Shaykh Abdul Fattah Abu Ghuddah (footnotes on Al-Masnoo of Mulla Ali Qari pg.169) and others.
Considering such an action to be Waajib, Sunnat or as part of Deen is wrong.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Ml. Muhammad ibn Moulana Haroon Abassommar
FACULTY OF SPECIALTY IN HADITH SCIENCES
CHECKED AND APPROVED: Mufti Ebrahim Desai (Fatwa Department)