What is the ruling on the Sufi Hadra, and what is the wisdom behind it?

The 'Hadra' is a collective dhikr (remembrance of Allah) performed by certain Sufi groups, where they chant litanies (awrad), invocations (adhkar), and hymns, accompanied by swaying and dancing. It may also include the use of a tambourine (duff) or musical instruments. It is usually held at the graves of saints and righteous people.

It is an innovation (bid'ah) for several reasons:

1. Innovation in religion: It is considered an act of worship to Allah that He has not legislated, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever introduces into this matter of ours that which is not from it, it is rejected." 2. Contradiction to the etiquette of dhikr: It goes against the humility, reverence, and tranquility commanded in the Quran, and involves shouting, dancing, and musical instruments. 3. Unlawful dhikr: It includes limiting the remembrance to merely repeating the single name "Allah" or the pronoun "He," which is an unlawful remembrance that conveys no meaning. 4. Establishing innovative festivals: It is held on unlawful festivals, as Islam has only legislated the two Eids: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. 5. Falling into polytheism (shirk): It often contains polytheistic elements such as supplicating the dead and seeking their help.

Therefore, the Hadra is an innovative act in both its form and content.