Saying “Ramadan Kareem”

Saying Ramadan Kareem is good and permissible, and it is not an innovation.

Our Shaykh Muhammad Al-Amari حفظه الله said in response to those who say that the word “Kareem” is exclusive to Allah, hence attaching it with Ramadan is an innovation, and not permissible [summarized]:

Ramadan is not just Mubarak, it is Kareem as well. And Kareem is a word which—in the language of Allah and His Messenger—has been used as a description which Allah has used for that which has the ability to possess this trait on its own, and that which does not have the ability to possess this trait on its own.

1. The word Kareem in the language of Allah and His Messenger has been used in the meaning of a “letter” in terms of writing. [See: Surah An-Naml 27:29]
2. The word Kareem in the language of Allah and His Messenger has been used in the meaning of “gentleness” in terms of speech. [See: Surah Al-Isra 17:23]
3. The word Kareem in the language of Allah and His Messenger has been used in the meaning of “never ending” in terms of rewards and provisions. [See: Surah Al-Ahzab 33:31,44; Surah An-Nur 24:26]
4. The word Kareem in the language of Allah and His Messenger has been used in the meaning of “beautiful and excellent quality” in terms of plants and vegetation. [See: Surah Luqman 31:10, Surah Qaf 50:7]
5. The word Kareem in the language of Allah and His Messenger has been used in the meaning of “honorable” in terms of sittings and gatherings. [See: Surah Ash-Shu’ara 26:58]
6. The word Kareem in the language of Allah and His Messenger has been used in the meaning of “extensive” in terms of entrance. [See: Surah An-Nisa 4:31]
7. The word Kareem in the language of Allah and His Messenger has been used in the meaning of “untouchable” in terms of men. [See: Surah Ad-Dukhan 44:49]
8. The word Kareem in the language of Allah and His Messenger has been used in the meaning of “beneficial” in terms of anything. [See: Surah Yusuf 12:31]
9. The word Kareem in the language of Allah and His Messenger has been used in the meaning of “greatness” in terms of Allah’s creation. [See: Surah Al-Mu’mineen 23:116, Surah At-Tawbah 9:129]

So whoever says: “Kareem cannot be used with Ramadan because it is a month, and a month does not have the ability to possess this trait”; then he has opposed Al-Wahy, because Allah described as Kareem that which does not have the ability/power/authority to possess the trait of Kareem, and this includes His Throne, and Speech, and Crops, and Provision, and Rewards, and Entrances, and Shadows! And all of these do not possess the ability to do anything.

So…

“Do you know better or Allah?”

Surah Al-Baqarah 2:14