The Islamic Viewpoint of Kissing Thumbs (انگوٹھے چومنا) with Fatwa QA

In many Muslim societies, traditional practices often blend with religious rituals, leading to discussions on whether they are part of Islam or cultural habits. One such debated act is انگوٹھے چومنا (kissing thumbs) during the Adhan (call to prayer) when the Mu’azzin recites the name of the Prophet Muhammadﷺ. Some people place their thumbs on their eyes, kiss them, and then wipe them on their eyes as a form of respect and love for the Prophetﷺ. While widely practiced in South Asia, the question arises: Is انگوٹھے چومنا a Sunnah, a recommended act, or an innovation (bid‘ah)? To answer this, scholars have issued various Fatwa QA rulings on the matter.

The Origin of انگوٹھے چومنا

The practice of انگوٹھے چومنا is not found in the Qur’an or the authentic Hadith collections such as Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. Instead, it is a custom that emerged in certain regions as a symbolic expression of love for the Prophetﷺ. According to some weak narrations, it is said that Abu Bakr (RA) kissed his thumbs when hearing the Prophet’sﷺ name during Adhan. However, these narrations are considered unreliable by most Hadith scholars.

Scholarly Opinions on انگوٹھے چومنا

1. Supportive Opinions

Some scholars and Sufi traditions allow انگوٹھے چومنا as a harmless practice done with the intention of expressing love for the Prophetﷺ. They argue that if it is not considered obligatory or a Sunnah, it may fall under “mubah” (permissible) actions. Supporters of this practice highlight the importance of honoring the Prophetﷺ and say that symbolic actions, if done with love, should not be condemned.

2. Opposing Opinions

The majority of scholars, however, reject انگوٹھے چومنا due to the lack of authentic evidence. According to Fatwa QA rulings from leading Islamic institutions such as Darul Uloom Deoband, Jamia Binoria, and others, this act is classified as a bid‘ah (innovation). They argue that religion must be based on clear Quranic verses and authentic Hadith, not on weak or fabricated reports.

For example:

• Darul Uloom Deoband Fatwa QA: Declares that kissing thumbs during Adhan is not Sunnah and should be avoided to prevent innovations.
• Jamia Binoria Fatwa QA: States that انگوٹھے چومنا has no basis in Shariah and Muslims should refrain from such practices.
• Saudi Scholars' Fatwa (Ifta): Strictly forbids the act, emphasizing that adding new rituals in worship contradicts the principle of “Follow the Sunnah.”

Fatwa QA References

To provide clarity, here are some summarized Fatwa QA responses on انگوٹھے چومنا:

1. Fatwa (Darul Uloom Deoband)
• Question: Is kissing thumbs during Adhan a Sunnah?
• Answer: No, this act has no foundation in Sunnah or Hadith. It is an innovation and should not be practiced.
2. Fatwa (Jamia Binoria, Karachi)
• Question: What is the ruling on انگوٹھے چومنا?
• Answer: It is not proven from authentic sources. Following such customs without evidence leads to unnecessary innovations.
3. Fatwa (Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research, Saudi Arabia)
• Question: Can we kiss our thumbs during Adhan?
• Answer: This act is baseless in Islam. A Muslim should listen to the Adhan silently, repeat after the Mu’azzin, and send blessings (Salawat) upon the Prophetﷺ when his name is mentioned.

Correct Sunnah When Hearing the Prophet’s ﷺ Name

Instead of انگوٹھے چومنا, the correct Sunnah when hearing the blessed name of Prophet Muhammadﷺ during Adhan is:

• To repeat after the Mu’azzin, as taught in authentic Hadith.
• To say Salawat (Durood) upon the Prophet ﷺ when his name is mentioned.
• To make dua for the Prophet ﷺ to be granted the “Wasila” (a special rank in Paradise) as narrated in Sahih Muslim.

This method is authentic, universally accepted, and carries a reward according to Hadith.

The Concept of Love for the Prophet ﷺ

Love for Prophet Muhammadﷺ is a central part of the Islamic faith. However, expressing love must always align with Shariah guidelines. While انگوٹھے چومنا may appear to some as a harmless symbolic gesture, Islam emphasizes following the authentic Sunnah over innovations. True love for the Prophetﷺ is shown by:

• Following his Sunnah in daily life.
• Obeying his teachings.
• Sending Salawat upon him frequently.

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Conclusion

The practice of انگوٹھے چومنا (kissing thumbs) during Adhan is not supported by authentic evidence in Islam. According to various Fatwa QA rulings, it falls under bid‘ah and should be avoided. Instead, Muslims should follow the authentic Sunnah: repeating after the Mu’azzin, sending Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ, and making dua for him. While love for the Prophet ﷺ is essential, it must be expressed within the boundaries of Shariah.

Thus, the safest approach is to refrain from انگوٹھے چومنا and hold firmly to the Sunnah, as this ensures both spiritual reward and protection from innovations.