Is Reading Surah Al-Fatiha During an Engagement (Khutbah) Considered Bid‘ah?
Question
Is reading Surah Al-Fatiha during your engagement (khutbah) bid‘ah? Many families do this, and the day of the engagement is often called “Fatiha.”
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma‘in.
The recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha is among the greatest acts of worship in Islam. It is the opening of the Qur’an and an essential pillar of the prayer. However, acts of worship are defined by their context and intent. When an act that is legislated in one setting is obligated to another setting as a ritual or religious requirement it may become an innovation if it is done under the belief that it is part of a required practice of Islam “البدع الاضافية”.
1. The Nature of the Engagement (Khutbah)
In Shari‘ah, the khutbah or proposal of marriage (khitbah) is not an act of worship; it is a social and contractual step preceding the nikah (marriage contract).
The Prophet ﷺ and his companions would propose marriage through simple words of agreement or by seeking permission from the guardian without any formal recitation or ritual.
2. The Ruling on Reciting Al-Fatiha for the Engagement
If Surah Al-Fatiha is recited as a form of du‘a and blessing meaning the family gathers, and someone recites it with the intention of seeking Allah’s barakah (blessing) for the union, without believing it is a Sunnah or a religious requirement then this act is permissible and not bid‘ah.
The usuli principle:
اعتبار النية في التفريق بين العادة والعبادة
“The intention differentiates between a habit and a devotional act.”
So the ruling depends on how it is intended:
If intended as an act of worship which has specificobligationsor reward: then it is bid‘ah because there is no evidence.
If intended as a dua’ or remembrance: it is permissible, like reading Qur’an in any setting.
3. Cultural Practice vs. Religious Ritual
Many cultures refer to the engagement day as “Fatiha,” not necessarily as a religious act but as a customary title symbolizing agreement and blessing. In such cases, it is considered a cultural expression, not a ritual innovation.
Final Ruling
Reciting Surah Al-Fatiha at an engagement is not part of the Obligation, and if it is done believing it to be a required religious act, it is a bid‘ah.
But if it is done simply as a du‘a for blessing or as a cultural practice without religious obligations, it is permissible.
Muslims should remain cautious not to turn customs into acts of worship.
And Allah knows best.