FASTING ON THE DAY OF ASHURA (10TH OF MUHARRAM) Ibn Abbaas (Radhiallahu-anhu) says: I did not see the messenger of Allah Taaala anxiously await the fast of any day, which he gave preference to over other days, but this day (i.e. the Day of Ashura) and this month (i.e. the month of Ramadaan) [Suhih Bukhari, vol 2, pg 268]. In various Ahaadith an explanation is given as to why Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) kept this fast and exhorted his companions to do the same. A narration of Sahih Muslim concisely explains the reason Ibn Abbaas (Radhiallahu-anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) came to Madinah and found the Jews fasting on the Day of Ashura. Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) inquired of them What is the significance of this day on which you fast? They replied: This is a great day. On this day Allah Taaala saved Moosa and his people and drowned Firoun and his nation. Thus Moosa (Alaihis-Salaam) fasted on this day as a token of thanksgiving, therefore, we too fast on this day. The Rasul of Allah Taaala (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: We are more worthy of Moosa (Alaihis-Salaam) and nearer to him than you. Thereafter he fasted on this day and ordered his companions that a fast be kept on this day. [Suhih Muslim, vol 1, pg 359]. From the above Hadith it is clear that the fast of Ashura is linked to the salvation of Moosa (Alaihis-Salaam). Besides this no other Hadith of this category (Sahih) explains the reason for Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) having kept a fast on this day. FORGIVENESS OF A YEARS SINS With regards to the blessings of this fast, it is recorded in a narration of Sahih Muslim that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was asked regarding (the virtue of) the fast of Ashura. Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) answered: It is compensation for the sins of the past year, i.e. the sins of the year that has just gone by will be forgiven. [Suhih Muslim, vol 1, pg 368]. OPPOSING THE JEWS Any act which bears a resemblance with the Jews and the Christians is frowned upon in the Shariah. Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: Should I live the following year, I will definitely fast on the ninth also. [Suhih Muslim, vol 1, pg 359]. Hence it is important that either the ninth or eleventh of Muharram should be joined in keeping fast with the Day of Ashura. To fast only on the day of Ashura is Makrooh (reprehensible). However, the Karahat (reprehendsibility) is not severe. It is stated in Durrul Makhtar: It is `Makrooh Tahrimi to fast on the days of Eid and `Makrooh Tanzihi to fast on the Day of Muharram only. [Durrul Makhtar, vol 2, pg 114]. SPENDING FREELY ON ONES FAMILY Besides fasting on the day of Ashura, being generous to ones family and spending on what is normally spent on food, etc. is a very meritorious act. Certain scholars are of the opinion that the Ahaadith in this regard are not authentic. Hence, there is no special virtue for increased generosity on the Day of Ashura. However, this is not correct. To substantiate this, Allama Sakhawi (Radhiallahu-anhu) writes: He who will be generous on his family on the Day of Ashura, Allah will be generous to him throughout the year This Hadith has been transmitted by Tabrani and Baihaqi in his book As-Shaub and Fadaail-ul-Awqaat and Abu Shaikh, all of them having narrated it from Ibn Masood. Tabrani and Baihaqi have also transmitted it from Abu Saeed (Radhiallahu-anhu). In his book Ash-Shaub, Baihaqi has also narrated this Hadith from Jaabir and Abu Hurairah. Baihaqi therefore says: The chains of narrators of these Ahaadith are `Daeef Weak, However, when they are considered collectively, the chain of narrators becomes strong (i.e. the Hadith becomes reliable). Allamah Shaami too has indicated towards the authenticity of this Hadith. He says: The hadith of generosity upon ones family is an established and authentic (Sahih) narration as mentioned by Hafiz Suyuti in `Ad- Durar. [Shaami, vol 2, pg 155].
Posted on: Mon, 11 Nov 2013 22:09:05 +0000
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