Opening of new house Fatwa No: 87521
- Fatwa Date:22-4-2004
I bought a new house. How do I go about the inauguration process? Do I have to have a Qur’an reciting session, etc? Should I invite all my relatives for the opening? Please tell me about the correct method according to the Shariah and Sunnah of the Prophet.
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.
We do not know any evidence in Qur'an and Sunnah that proves gathering for recitation of Qur'an or inviting people for having food, etc. when entering a new home. Thus, everyone who does so intending Sunnah or believing it is the practice of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) is mistaken and commits Bid’ah. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Whoever introduces in this matter of ours that is not from it, it is to be rejected”. In a narration the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Whoever practices something which is not of our matter, it is to be rejected”.
This act becomes more dangerous and repulsive if it is done to keep Satan away and harm, etc.
However, if it is done with the purpose of thanking Allah, being grateful to Him, being kind to relatives and friends and to encourage them to recite Qur'an then this is permissible. So, all this depends on the intention.
Allah knows best.