What is the Islamic ruling on festivals like basant (kite flying) famous in Indo-Pak

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem.

The legal ruling for following non Islamic traditions carries different rulings:

1. If the tradition or festival is a ‘religious function’ belonging or representing another religion whilst not a tradition permissible in Islam, then to follow that tradition knowingly whilst regarding it as permissible would be close to disbelief (kufr). To follow it while aware of its impermissibility is at the least highly forbidden and sinful, but some scholars have stated it is still disbelief when it entails upholding a tradition which is praising false deities. And example is the annual festival of Tyatra followed by the Hindus

2. If it is a tradition or festival which is not religious but has sinful activities involved with it—such as drinking, music, or mixing of sexes—then to take part in these is also impermissible and sinful.

3. If it is a general tradition that does not have anything prohibited involved and is not against the beliefs of Islam then it is at the worst disliked and otherwise permissible. It does not carry reward nor sin, however.

So, what about basant?

In the case of the festival basant (Kite flying) also otherwise known as Utraan, traditionally practised in the Indian subcontinent, to take part in this festival is impermissible for the following reasons;

The Basant festival although not directly belonging to the Hindu religion is now followed in India by polytheists who perform idol worship during the festival. They are commonly seen glorifying their false Deity Shiva and use this festival to celebrate idol worshipping. The common Islamic deriving from the Hadith of The Prophet of Allah (May Allah bless Him and Grant Him Peace) ‘You will be with the one you follow’ (Tirmidhi) would apply in this circumstance.

Explained by Indian scholar and jurist Sheikh Ahmed Rida Khan;

The festival is an unnecessary waste of time and money without any physical or mental benefit. Hundreds of rupees are spent and countless time is wasting by taking part in this activity. To waste time and money without good reason is also not permissible.

Many deaths occur every year whilst taking part in this festival, as children take to the roofs and do not concentrate on their safety and hence many children die or are injured.

(Fatawa-e- Radhwiyya)

An extract from researcher ‘Mahmood Al Hassan Khan’ (although promoting the festival) writes;

But even such a joyous festival has a dark side, as hospitals invariably are packed with kite flyers who fall off roofs and children who are hit by cars as they run down the streets, their faces turned towards the sky to watch the kites. Quarters of the city are plunged into darkness when razor-sharp kite cords rolled in powdered glass or made of steel cut electricity wires. Many foolish people use illegal copper, Nylon thread and Tundi to loot the maximum kites. But this nonsense act of few is damaging the national wealth and destroys the Powers System of electricity. It is estimated that if there are 50 one-hour breakdowns, it costs Rs.2.5 million to WAPDA Steel and glass-edged wires are banned but manufacturers still report roaring trade.

Parents of the kids should take special care to their spouse and take every possible measure to share the excitement of Basant without any loss of life and property. Motorcyclists and innocent people travelling along the road should be careful to avoid the unseen death in the shape of Doars.

Of Course Allah knows best.

Muhammad Salim Ghisa