Muharram, Aashura and Shia Practices

As salaamu alaykum wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakaatuh.

Tues 5th Nov 2013 will see the start of Muharram, the 1st month of the new Islamic Lunar Year 1435.

A month of great reward & virtue. “Muharram” means “sacred” and is from those months which have been mentioned as sacred in the Qur’aan. (Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram & Rajab)

Also, Remember that Muharram marks the start of the Hijra to Madinah – after several years of boycott and persecution of the early Muslims and our Noble Messenger (peace be upon him).

In particular the losses he endured just before then of deaths of his Beloved Wife and Uncle.

It is recommended to fast any days during Muharram. Although not obligatory, each of the fasts of the month of Muharram are the most rewardable among the Optional fasts.

The Prophet (Sal-lal-laahu ‘Alayhi wa sal-lam) said:

“The best of fasts besides the month of Ramadhaan is the fasting of Allaah’s month of Muharram.”
[Muslim]

“The one that keeps a fast in the month of Muharram will receive the reward of thirty fasts for each fast (in this month).”
[Tabraani]

The 10th of Muharram (Thur 14th Nov 2013) – known as “Aashurah Day” is the most sacred among all its days. It is one of the most important and blessed days of Allaah in the Islamic Calendar.

It is said that it was the day on which the Prophet Musa (Moses) (peace be upon him) and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously, and the Pharaoh was drowned in its water. On hearing this from the Jews, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “We are more closely related to Musa than you.” So the Prophet (p.b.u.h) directed the Muslims to fast on the day of Aashurah.
[Abu Dawood]

Before the fasts of Ramadhaan were made compulsory, the fast of the day of Aashurah was compulsory upon the Ummah.

The Noble wife of the Prophet, Aaisha (may Allaah be pleased with her) stated that:
“The Holy Prophet (s.a.w) ordered the observance of the fast of Aashurah. However, when the fast of Ramadhaan became compulsory, then whosoever wished, kept this fast and whosoever desired did not observe this fast.”
[Bukhaari]

Nevertheless the Prophet (s.a.w) continued to fast this day and encouraged his Companions to do the same.
“This fast is an expiation for the (minor) sins of the past year.”
[Muslim]

“When the Prophet (p.b.u.h) observed the fast of the day of Aashurah and ordered (his Companions) to fast, they said: `O Rasulullah! It is a day revered (glorified) by the Jews and Christians.’
Thereupon the Messenger (s.a.w) said: “The coming year, if Allaah wills (I remain alive), I will for sure fast on the ninth (also).”
[Muslim]

Hence fast on the 9th & 10th or 10th and 11th of Muharram. Not on the 10th alone.

Spend more on family and dependants than normal:
“One who generously spends on his family on the day of Aashurah, Allaah will increase (his provision) for the whole year.” [Bayhaqi]

On this day, Sayyiduna Hussain Ibn Ali was martyred mercilessly by the rogue army of Iraq. Remember his sacrifice, give out some Sadaqah on his behalf.

Educate the young ones in this regard. Teach them that if the grandson of the prophet could sacrifice his life to uphold the truth, then can they not make some sacrifices to pray 5 times a day and to follow the Sunnah?

Teach them that what the Shias do on this day, in the form of beating themselves up in order to lament upon sayyiduna Hussain, is haram. It’s a forbidden act and they are sinful, disobedient, misguided, & transgressors in the eyes of Allah.

Teach them that if a Shia claims that Sayyiduna Abu Bakr, sayyiduna Umar, sayyiduna Uthman or the mother of believers sayyidatuna Aisha or any other companion were kafirs, then they themselves become KAFIRS.

So respect the sahaba and realise their status among the ummah.