Main Topic
Understanding the significance, virtues, and proper Sunnah practices surrounding the Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram), while maintaining moderation and avoiding un-Islamic customs.
Key Lessons
- Believers must follow moderation (i'tidal), avoiding both negligence (tafreet) and extreme innovation (ifrat).
- The 10th of Muharram marks the day Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala saved Musa (Alayhis Salam) and Bani Israel from Fir'aun.
- Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) instructed Muslims to fast the 9th and 10th (or 10th and 11th) to distinguish Islamic worship from non-Muslim traditions.
- Generosity (wus'at) toward one's dependents on Ashura brings blessing (barakah) in sustenance for the entire year.
- The martyrdom (shahadat) of Sayyidina Hussain (Radiallahu anhu) demonstrates ultimate sacrifice for Deen and should not be turned into a day of un-Islamic mourning or ritualistic innovation.
Quranic/Hadith References
- Prophetic narration regarding the deliverance of Musa (Alayhis Salam) and Bani Israel on Yawm al-Ashura.
- Hadith instructing believers to fast an additional day alongside the 10th of Muharram to differ from the Jews.
- Hadith promising annual barakah for the one who spends generously on his family on the Day of Ashura.
Practical Advice
- Fast on the 10th of Muharram combined with either the 9th or the 11th.
- Extend extra generosity to family members within one's means on Ashura without falling into extravagance.
- Utilize the day for sincere repentance (tawbah), forgiveness (istighfar), and supplication (dua).
- Avoid adopting non-Muslim mannerisms, dress, or ungrounded cultural rituals in both daily life and acts of worship.
Hazrat Moulana Dawood Seedat Saheb