What is Urs Sharif? An Analysis in Light of Islamic Shari‘ah

The word ‘Urs’ originates from the Persian language, meaning “wedding”. However, in the Sufi tradition of the Indian subcontinent, it refers to the annual commemoration held on the death anniversary of a saintly or pious person. Followers believe that the day of death is the day of their union with Allah.

The day of passing of the righteous scholars and saints is called ‘Urs’. The basis of this can be found in Hadith, where it is mentioned that when the angels Munkar and Nakir come to question the deceased in the grave and the person correctly answers them, he is told to sleep like a bride who will only be awakened by the one she loves the most. On that day, the angels address the person as ‘Aroos’ (bride), and hence the term ‘Urs’ (عرس) is used to signify this blessed reunion.

Also, due to the righteousness and sainthood of the deceased, they may be granted the vision of the radiant presence of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the grave. When Munkar and Nakir ask about this luminous personality, the deceased, overjoyed by this vision, will respond in praise. Witnessing the Prophet ﷺ becomes a moment of spiritual ecstasy, and thus, the day is known as ‘Urs’, a day of bliss.

Purpose of Celebrating Urs

• Expressing love and reverence for the saints (Awliya)
• Remembering their contributions to spreading Islam
• Drawing inspiration from their lives and teachings
• Organizing Qur'an recitation, dhikr, and supplication gatherings

Urs in Light of Shari‘ah

Supportive Perspective – According to Some Scholars and Sufi Opinions:

If Urs is observed without any innovations (bid‘ah) or actions contrary to Shari‘ah, and limited to Qur'an recitation, supplication, charity, and Islamic discussions, then it may be regarded as a commendable (mustahabb) act.

Common practices during Urs:

• Visiting the graves of saints on their death anniversary
• Reciting the Qur’an
• Giving charity and distributing food
• Sacrificing lawful animals and sharing the meat as tabarruk (blessed food)

These acts are not only permissible in Shari‘ah, but also meritorious.

Scholarly Statements:

• Shaykh Abdul Aziz Muhaddith Dehlavi said: If people gather to recite the Qur’an, distribute sweets and food, even though this was not done during the time of the Prophet ﷺ or the Rightly Guided Caliphs, there is no harm in it according to Shari‘ah. Rather, it benefits both the living and the dead.
• Maulana Abdul Hai Lakhnawi narrated that even though Urs was not practiced during the early generations (Salaf), later scholars deemed it mustahasan (commendable) based on Qur’an and Sunnah.
• Hazrat Gazi-e-Deen o Millat Allama Azizul Haque Sher-e-Bangla mentioned in his Fatawa-e-Aziziya that during Urs, the souls of the deceased return to the grave and become happy when tabarruk is served.
• Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki, a spiritual guide of Deobandi scholars, strongly supported Urs in Faisala-e-Haft Mas’ala, saying: “My way is to recite the Qur’an for my spiritual guide every year, sometimes including a Milad and distributing food as tabarruk.”

Evidences from the Qur’an and Hadith

• "Keep the company of the righteous."
  — Surah At-Tawbah, 9:119
• "Pray for your brother when he dies."
  — Sahih Muslim
• Historical Precedent: Many great Islamic scholars and saints have had their death anniversaries observed with gatherings of prayer and reflection, especially within the Sufi tradition.
• The Prophet ﷺ used to visit the martyrs of Uhud each year on a fixed date, offer them salutations, and make du‘a for them. The Rightly Guided Caliphs continued this practice.
• Other hadiths mention:
• Remembering the Prophets is a form of worship.
• Remembering the righteous cleanses sins.
• Discussing death, charity, and the afterlife draws a person closer to Paradise.
• Regarding feeding others:
  The Prophet ﷺ said: “One of the best deeds in Islam is to feed others and spread peace (salam) to both known and unknown people.”— Hadith
• Guests at Urs are considered honored, and hosting them is part of perfecting one’s faith, as the Prophet ﷺ said:
  “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his guest.”

Summary: A Balanced View

Practice	Permissibility	Conditions
Qur'an recitation, du‘a, Islamic lectures	Permissible	Free from innovation
Circumambulating graves, laying cloths, music, intermixing	Not Permissible	Contradicts Islamic principles, leads to shirk

Final Thoughts

Based on the above evidences, celebrating Urs Sharif is a part of Islamic traditions. It is not just permissible, but also a meritorious and spiritually rewarding act, as long as it is done in accordance with Shari‘ah. Visiting graves (ziyarah) is explicitly permitted in Qur’an and Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ said: “I had forbidden you from visiting graves. Now you may visit them, for it reminds you of the Hereafter.” — Hadith