[Q 675] Sabeel-e-Hussain Permissibility

Question

What is the sunni position on Sabeel-e-Hussain, where people distribute water in 10th Muharram?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
الجواب بعون الملك الوهاب اللهم هداية الحق والصواب

Answer

Providing water to Muslims is itself an act of virtue and reward. And along with this, if water is provided to people by setting up a sabeel (water station) for the conveyance of reward (isal-e-sawab) to Imam Hussain رضي الله تعالى عنه, or any Sahabi, or any Wali, then undoubtedly, this is also a source of reward. And according to Ahl-e-Sunnat, isal-e-sawab is not only permissible but also an act of virtue.

However, in charity and alms (sadaqaat wa khairaat), the needs of the poor should be kept in mind. Giving that which is more needed in a particular situation will be a greater source of reward.

Answered by: Mubashir Madani (AskMufti Scholar)
Verified by: Mufti Sajid Attari
Translated answer
Date: 19th July 2026