Is it allowed to decorate and embellish your homes for Ramadān with tinsel, lanterns and so on?
Scholars [such as Shaikh Sālih al-Fawzān] have stated that it was not from the guidance or practice of the Prophet (ﷺ), nor his Companions, nor the early scholars to decorate and embellish the homes in Ramadān; therefore, it is not to be done in our times.
If there was good in it, they would have preceded us. Imām al-Awzāʿī (d. 157H) said: “Stop where the people before you stopped. Speak with what they spoke with, and refrain from what they refrained from. Follow the path of your Righteous Predecessors, for indeed, what sufficed them will suffice you.”
So, it is upon Ahlus-Sunnah to withhold from what the Prophet (ﷺ) and his Companions withheld from. They could’ve decorated their homes and Mosques in Ramadān, yet they did not—so we are commanded to refrain from what they refrained from.
Furthermore, seasonal decorations are from the traditions of the unbelievers who embellish their homes, graveyards and places of worship with festive lights and tinsel at Christmas, Easter and so on.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “You will surely follow the ways of those who came before you, handspan by handspan, cubit-length by cubit-length, such that if one of them enters a lizard’s hole, you too will enter it.” They asked him, “Do you mean the Jews and Christians?” He replied, “Who else?” (Bukhārī and Muslim).
As for Ramadān, it is a month of fasting, Salāh, seeking forgiveness, making Dhikr, praying Tarāweeh, and reading the Book of Allāh and reflecting over it. In it, we focus on ourselves, our families, and our children. It is not a month of frivolity, vain speech, gluttony and wasting time.
As for the homes of the Muslims, they should be clean and tidy at all times, throughout the year. So, that is not a point of dispute or contention—nor is there any issue with nice furnishings and modern appliances that make our lives easier and comfortable—these are from the bounties of Allah upon the people—and all thanks and praise is due to Him, the Lord of all the worlds.
Abu Khadeejah ʿAbdul-Wāhid.