Please explain the term Tabarruk and give the Islamic verdict.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Tabarruk is an Arabic word which means seeking goodness (blessings) in something by touching it or being close to it.

However, the allowed Taburruk is by the matters that are mentioned in the Sharee'ah, because Tabaruk is among the Tawqeefiyyah (i.e. determined by text from the Book of Allaah or the Sunnah of the Prophet and not amenable to personal opinion) matters.

Nonetheless, seeking Tabarruk by the following is allowed:

1-    The personality of the Prophet or by Zam Zam water or the Black stone of the Ka'bah.

2-    Times:  the month of Ramadan, the Night of Decree, and the first ten days of the month of Thul-Hijjah.

3-    Places: Makkah, Al-Madeenah, and Baytul Maqdis (Al-Aqsa).

4-    Good deeds: the Prayer, Fasting, and paying Zakah.

Seeking Tabarruk by virtue of matters which are not mentioned in Islam is prohibited such as:

1)    By virtue of scholars or pious people.

2)    Times: like Al-Israa', which is the night during which the Prophet ascended to the heavens, and the night of his birthday.

3)    Places: like graves and the like.

4)    Innovated acts.

For more benefit, please refer to Fatwa  88236.

Allaah Knows best.