Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Dear Brother in Islam,

Assalamuaikum!

Can a muslim light candles with essence as a home decoration in a house? Would it be considered as a Christian symbol? Would it be considered against sunnah ways if a newly married couple lit candles and had a candle light dinner in their own house?

Your answers would enlighten my life and add to my knowlegde of Islam as well.

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

Answer:

Candle light dinners

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Your Question: Can a muslim light candles with essence as a home decoration in a house?

There is nothing in Shariah which prohibits a believer from lighting candles (with or without essence) in their house for decoration or to fulfill their needs or desires.

Your Question: Would it be considered against sunnah ways if a newly married couple lit candles and had a candle light dinner in their own house?

First and foremost, candles, lamps, or lanterns were the basic providers of light in the dark at the times of the Prophet (saws) as the light-bulb or electricity were obviously neither invented nor available!

Secondly there is absolutely no harm and no restriction in Shariah if one wishes to amuse themselves with a candle-light dinner at their homes or elsewhere.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan