Q. Many Muslim businesses advertise Muharram gifts. Is it permissible to do so?
A. Gifts are permissible all year round. However, some Muslim businesses are promoting gifts for Aashura, i.e. the 10th of Muharram. They know that this has become a custom amongst ignorant Muslims. Hence, those with commercial interests have taken advantage of the ignorance and gullibility of the public. Kuffaar usually like to advertise gifts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Christmas, etc. all of which are Haraam. In addition, many Muslims are unfortunately emulating the Kuffaar in this aspect too!
The concept of gifts on the Day of Aashura is baseless. It should not be difficult to understand that the gift-custom of tenth Muharram is a Bid’ah. Therefore, it is not permissible to promote a Bid’ah by advertising gifts for Aashura. Exchanging gifts on the Day of Aashura is not permissible. Moreover, as a Muslim, you should neither promote, encourage nor justify that which is wrong.