Iftaa’ Department rules celebratory gunfire as impermissible under Sharia

The Jordanian Iftaa' Department has ruled that the act of celebratory gunfire at various events is impermissible under Islamic law due to the fear and harm it causes to Muslims.

The department noted that such gunfire often accidentally injures or kills individuals. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said per a Hadith: "It is not permissible for a Muslim to terrorize another Muslim."

In response to a query, the department clarified that discharging firearms at events is a waste of resources without any benefit, which constitutes extravagance and profligacy condemned by Allah in the Quran:

"Verily spendthrifts are brothers of the Evil Ones; and the Evil One is to his Lord (himself) ungrateful." (Quran 17:27) – as ammunition is intended for defending religion, country, and citizens, and using it in such a frivolous manner is a misuse of the blessing.

Furthermore, the department highlighted that authorities have prohibited gunfire at such events. When an authority forbids a permissible act, it should not be done, especially when it involves the dangers previously mentioned. Therefore, it is obligatory to avoid imitating this un-Islamic practice and to express joy in ways permitted by Allah – the statement said.