Title: The Concept of ' Tabarruk ' Question: What is the Islamic directives about the concept of Tabarrok ? There are a few ahadith that imply people used to seek cure or benefit from the left over water of the prophet or from his hair, cloths, etc. Can this gives us permission to (for instance) touch the place where the prophet has been buried to seek cure or benefit? Thanks Abu Yaheya United Kingdom Answer: The concept of Tabarruk , neither holds any place in the contents of Deen nor does it have any importance with reference to the Shari`ah . It is true that there are some narratives which report that some people would use the water leftover by the Prophet (pbuh) as a show of love and reverence for the Prophet (pbuh). However, such an act is not ascribed to any of the more recognized and respected companions of the Prophet (pbuh). This act of some of the companions was not disapproved by the Prophet (Pbuh), as it may have been perceived as their innocent way of showing their love and respect for the person of the Prophet (pbuh). However, in our opinion, such acts should not be made a basis for adding new forms of showing reverence, love and respect towards the Prophet (pbuh), as it may easily lead some people into crossing the allowable limits of showing their love and respect for the Prophet (pbuh) and taking them into the limits of deifying the Prophet (pbuh). The most that can be said about the referred practice of some of the companions is that such a practice is not prohibited - it is neither recommended nor encouraged; it is merely not prohibited. However, there can be a number of things that are not prohibited, yet a prudent and pious Muslim should refrain from them merely on the grounds that such actions have a great risk of leading him into crossing the allowable boundaries of showing love and respect for the Prophet (pbuh) and, thereby, committing a great sin of deifying the very person who had only come to show the path of oneness of the Deity. I hope this helps. Moiz Amjad March 22, 2003