Aashura Programme

Main Topic

An in-depth discourse on the true significance of the 10th of Muharram (Ashura), distinguishing authentic Sunnah practices from bid'ah (innovations), and drawing timely spiritual lessons for the contemporary Ummah.

Key Lessons

• The night of the 10th of Muharram has no special congregational night prayer or Sunnah night program prescribed; the primary virtue lies in the day of Ashura itself.
• Deen is based on absolute submission to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu alayhi wasallam, rather than human logic or evolving historical contexts.
• Fasting on Ashura expiates minor sins of the preceding year. Fasting either the 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th is recommended to differ from other faith traditions.
• Generosity toward one's family on the day of Ashura earns Allah's expansive provision throughout the remaining year.
• Cultural customs and bid'ah associated with Muharram (e.g., red/green faluda, strings on wrists, mourning rituals) stem from non-Islamic or Shia influences and must be eradicated.
• Hardships faced by Muslims globally serve as a wake-up call to eliminate materialism, excessive spending (Israf), and internal community divisions, while focusing on raising children with sound Islamic values.

Quranic/Hadith References

• Surah Al-Hashr (59:18): Reminder to fear Allah and reflect on what one has sent forth for tomorrow.
• Hadith on Fasting Ashura: Expiates minor sins of the previous year.
• Hadith on Generosity: "Mawassaa ala ayaalihi..." (Whosoever expands his spending on his family on Ashura, Allah expands his provision for the rest of the year).
• Hadith regarding deceased minor children interceding strongly for their parents on the Day of Qiyamah.

Practical Advice

• Fast the 10th of Muharram along with either the 9th or the 11th.
• Show open generosity to your household on Ashura according to your means, without inventing rigid rituals.
• Purge homes of un-Islamic customs, excess, and reliance on materialistic display.
• Foster unity and brotherhood across ethnic, national, and socio-economic lines within the Muslim Ummah.