22 Rajab is celebrated mostly by Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi Muslims as the birthday of Imam Jafar Sadiq R.A.
To celebrate this day, people of the sub-continent distribute Koonday, which are large trays containing thalis of different food items.
But what is the history of 22 Rajab Koonday, and is it even an authentic day to celebrate? Plus, what is the calendar date of 22 Rajab 2024?
We will answer all of these questions in this article.
What Is the Date Of 22 Rajab 2024?
22 Rajab 2024 will be observed on Saturday, 3rd February 2024, in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
What Is the History of 22 Rajab, And Why Is It Celebrated?
Rajab is a blessed month in which Rasoolullah ﷺ used to fast frequently and performed additional Nafil prayers to prepare himself for Ramadan.
But what exactly is the history of 22 Rajab, and is it really the birthday of Imam Jafar Sadiq?
When we look for historical references, we do not find any proof that Imam Jafar Sadiq was born on 22 Rajab. In fact, several references prove that his actual birthday was 8th Ramadan.
Then why do people celebrate this day?
A deeper look into different historical facts reveals that 22 Rajab was actually the day when Hazrat Ameer Muaviya رضی الله عنه passed away.
Since Shias do not like Hazrat Ameer Muaviya رضی الله عنه, they started celebrating this day by distributing Koonday niyaz meals.
With time, this ritual was adopted by Indian Muslims who weren’t fully aware of its history and the status of Hazrat Ameer Muaviya رضی الله عنه in Islam.
Plus, to make it uncontroversial, Shias promoted the idea that they celebrated this day because of Hazrat Imam Jafar Sadiq’s birthday (which isn’t true.)
In short, Sunni Muslims belonging to Ahl e Sunnat Wal Jamat have nothing to do with 22 Rajab celebrations and Koonday niyaz.
It has no basis in hadith or from Sahaba. Instead, this event is observed to celebrate the death of Ameer e Mwaviya, one of the greatest companions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
May Allah SWT help us follow the right path and stay away from any acts that displease Him.
What Are Koonday And Their Status In Islam
Koonday are food trays distributed on 22 Rajab mostly in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
As we’ve already described, Koonday were invented by Shias (Rawafiz) who wanted to celebrate the death of Ameer e Mwaviya. But they disguised it as the birthday of Imam Jafar Sadiq to make it non-controversial.
In reality, Rajab Koonday have no basis in Islam and there’s no reward for distributing them.
In fact, if someone associates a specific aqeedah or belief with Koonday, it becomes a bidah (innovation in Islam), which is strictly prohibited.
Rajab Ke Koonday Kya Hain Aur Inki Kya Haqeeqat Hai
Sab se pehle 22 Rajab ke koondo se mutalliq ye Fatwa mulahiza farmae.
Rajab ek Mubarak maheena hai jis main Allah ke Nabi ﷺ kasrat se Rozay rakhtay that.
Lekin is maheenay main 22 Rajab ko Hindustan aur Pakistan ke bohat se Musalman Koonday ki niyaz taqseem karte hain.
Koonday ek thali hoti hai jis main halwa, puri, chanay, aur mukhtalif qism ke khanay hotay hain.
Ye Koonday log ek doosre ke ghar bhejtay hain aur isko sawab ka kaam samajhtay hain.
Lekin haqeeqat iske bar aks hai.
22 Rajab ko log Imam Jafar Sadiq ka Yom e Pedaish kehte hain. Lekin asal main unka yom e pedaish 8 Ramadan hai.
Is tareekh ko Shia logo ne Koonday manana shuru kiye kyu ke is din Hazrat Ameer e Mwaviya ka intiqal hua tha jinse Shia bughz rakhtay hain.
Lekin is baat ko chupanay ke liye aur Sunni musalmano ko apne sath shamil karne ke liye unho ne is din ko Imam Jafar Sadiq ka yom e pedaish bana dia, jo ke bilkul jhoot hai.
Is liye muslamano ko chahye ke 22 Rajab ke Koonday ki rasam se bilkul door rahain aur Sahaba e Ikram se nafrat karne walo ke sath shamil na ho.