Ashura of Muharram - A Shia and Sunni Muslim Observance
10th of Muharram (the day of Ashura) is observed as an important day by both Sunni and Shia Muslims – however, for different reasons.
Most scholars believe that Ahsura is named as such because of “tenth” of Muharram (ten is translated as “Ashara” in the Arabic language)
Sunni Muslims look at Ashura as “good” while Shia Muslims believe that day to be a day of mourning and sorrow. Again – for different reasons.
Sunni Muslims
Based on the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (saws), Sunni Muslims celebrate Ashura as the day when Prophet Moses (Moosa) fasted on that day because Allah saved the Israelites from their enemy in Egypt. One of the many Ahadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad) that attests to that is in Bukhari that states:
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1865) from Ibn ‘Abbaas, who said: The Prophet (saws) came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashoora. He said, “What is this?” They said, “This is a good day, this is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy and Moosa fasted on this day.” He (the Prophet Muhammad) said, “We are closer to Moosa than you.”
So he (the Prophet Muhammad) fasted on this day and told the people to fast.
There are many other versions of this Hadith in the books of “Muslim” and “Bukhari”.
According to a version narrated by Muslim,
This is a great day when Allah saved Moosa (Moses) and his people and drowned Pharaoh and his people.”
Sunni Muslims celebrate Ashura by fasting on that day. Usually, Sunni Muslims are recommended to fast either on the 9th and 10th of Muharram or on the 10th and 11th of Muharram.
It is permissible to fast the day of Ashoora on its own, but it is better to fast the day before it or the day after it. This is the Sunnah that is proven from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), as he said, “If I am still alive next year, I will certainly fast the ninth.” Narrated by Muslim, 1134. [Source: Islam-QA.com (question 21776)]
Other Ahadith on the subject are the following:
The prophet observed the fast on Ashuraa (the 10th of Muharram),
and ordered (Muslims) to fast on that day. (Agreed upon Hadith i.e. Bukhari & Muslim).
Narrated by Abi Katada: The prophet was asked about fasting on ‘Ashuraa’ (the 10th of Muharram), he said: "it expiates the previous year (for sins).” (Sahih Muslim)
Shia Muslims
Shia Muslims observe Ashura as the day of martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad at the Battle of Karbala. Shia Muslims therefore consider this a day of sorrow and celebrate it as such by refraining from music, listening to sorrowful poetic recitations, wearing mourning attire, and refraining from all joyous events (e.g. weddings) that in anyway distract them from the sorrowful remembrance of that day.
Some Shia sects therefore observe that day by beating themselves with chains in public, cutting themselves with knives and sharp objects and holding mournful public processions.
Sunni Muslims believe such Shia practices (beating, etc.) of the day of Muharram (Ashura) as innovations. Their basis is that during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) a number of senior Sahabah (Prophet’s companions) were martyred and he mourned their loss, such as Hamzah ibn Abd al-Muttalib, Zayd ibn Haarithah, Jafar ibn Abi Taalib and Abd-Allah ibn Rawaahah, but he never practiced any such acts. [References: Islam-QA.com]
Your thoughts and knowledge on the subject are welcome!
…
January 16th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Dear brothers and sisters in Islaam,
If we really love Allah and His Rasul(SAW), this is a big deal.We are all aware that Fast belongs to Allah and He knows what He will reward His servernts for it.Therefore i would urge my fellow muslim brothers and sisters to fast in large numbers and observe all the rules and regulation regarding fasting and Inshallah we will gain the precious rewads for it, and it may be one way of protection from the daily calamities that we face. Ameen.
January 16th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Mashallah beautiful article Jazakumullah khair.
January 16th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
EXCELLENT ARTICLE.
January 17th, 2008 at 4:58 am
These are the facts. We have a clear record of the Prophet fasting on the 10th of Muharram. This is a sunnah of the Prophet recorded in Ahadith. In addition we also have recorded in Ahadith that the Prophet desired/recommended the fasting on the 9th. In addition the Prophet stated that fasting on the 10th expiates the sins for the last year. There is no record of the Prophet inflicting bodily harm upon himself. There is no record of the Prophet morning the anniversary of anyone’s death. The Prophet prohibited the veneration of anyone after their death as the Christians did. We know it is a fact that Christians every church service celebrate the “death” of Jesus (Isaa’) as part of their worship. Such practices were never practiced by the Prophet, or even by Ali, for any of the Sahabah or even Ahlil Bayt (the Prophet’s family members). In addition to this we know that the Prophet did not reveal any benefit (such as the expiation for sins) with celebrating the annual return of the death of any individual. We also know that by fasting on this day, we are honoring not one but two Prophets (Muhammad who practiced it and Musa who is associated with the original event that the day remembers).
Any Muslim, regardless of their personal beliefs, when presented with the evidence must reach the following conclusions: Regardless of when Ali was killed, the Prophet had already given instructions as to how to act on the 10th of Muharram. The death of no human can change those instructions (not even Ali). The expiation of sins was given by the Prophet for the observance of fasting on that day in honor of another prophet (Musa). There was no benefit given for the repeated mourning of any Prophet, or Sahabah and in fact the opposite was true the annual recurrence is never celebrated for fear of it becoming Shirk).
No matter whether you are Sunni, Shia, Sufi, you are at the end of the day, MUSLIM. As a Muslim, we bear witness of two statements “laa ilaaha ilaa-llah” and “Muhammadar Rasoolul-laah”. We all acknowledge that Muhammad is the last Prophet. No matter how wonderful Ali was, he was NOT the one that Allah chose for Prophethood. The name “Mahamadim” is the name of the Last Prophet given in the Hebrew Scriptures. The Yod Meem at the end is a plural of respect so the name that results when the plural end is taken off is Meem Heh, Meem Daleth or Mahamad. There is no way that Mahamad can be confused with Ali. In addition, no one in their right mind is going to think that the Jews are going to go out of their way, to rewrite their holy scriptures to intentionally place the name of a prophet they rejected into their book, in place of Ali, just to support the views of Sunni Muslims (not to mention the fact that no one who would be in the Shia sect had a problem with Muhammad’s Prophethood until after his death).
In summary, the Prophet provided us with a means and reward for celebrating the 10th Day of Muharram, If we are Muslims, then follow the example of the Prophet and fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram or the 10th of Muharram at least and have your sins forgiven for the past year. If you are not Muslims and belong to some other religion or culture other than the Deen of Islam, then mourn and hold mock funeral precessions, put up a Christmas tree decorated with popcorn on a string, dress up in costumes and beg your neighbors for candy with the treat of pulling an ill intended prank on them if they refuse, or some other custom of your own devising. But to be a Muslim means you follow the way shown by the Prophet Muhammad, and Muhammad fasted.
January 17th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
JazaakAllahu khairan, every article posted on this humble site is always very motivating. Islam is very crystal clear religion, may ALLAH(SWT) continue to shown his mercy and guidance on all muslims.
January 17th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
May Allah ( SWT ) guide us and increase our knowledge of HIS deen and help us to hold on tight to our Quran and Sunnah, do not let us go astray.
January 17th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
I really appriciate Matthew Collins for his reply
January 18th, 2008 at 5:27 am
Salaam u Alikum.. to all who read these replies.
With due respect and faith in all ahadiths quoted i beleive its all humble ness u should possess. No Muslim should forget what happend in Karbala..Keep fasting on 9th and 10th but do remember the sacrifice of grand sons of prophet(s.a.w) ..they were our true leaders..Do talk abt Uome Ashura among u So to spread ISLAM..Allah Hafiz
January 18th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Assalamu Alaikum
We have to bear in our mind that what ever we are doing is useful to us here or in the next world. If it is a good act then it is an act of Ibadah(worshiping) in which we are expecting reward from Allah SWT. Also any act of Ibadah must trace its origin from the prophet Muhammad SAW and also practice it as he thought, otherwise it is null and void. Allah SWT sent the prophet to be a model to us and immitate him. Then on any issue we have to refer it to the prophet on how he did it or asked to do it. We cannot manufacture our own mode of worship however good or bad it is and expect to be rewarded by Allah SWT.
Brothers and sisters in Islam (Sunni or Shia) do not INTRODUCE what was not part of Islam and call it an Ibadah. As prophet said “whoever bring in an innovation which does not belong to our religion, is definetly rejected”
January 18th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Mashallah, I totally agree with comments of my brothers & sisters, Hope this important information about 10th Muharram should reach to every musilm, And they will follow the commandment of Allah (SWT). and follow the sunnah. I appreciate the Iqrasense team for the kind efforts to publish the authentic truth about Islam. Jazakallah.
January 18th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Asalam Alaikum,
I think the reason given in the last paragraph for describing the Ashura practices as innovation is a weak one. It is based on faulty reasoning.
The basis states that during the lifetime of the Prophet PBUH many senior Sahabah were martryed, and the Prophet PBUH mourned their loss but never performed any self flagellation, thats why Sunnis believe such practices are innovations. Can we really compare the martyrdom of the senior Sahabah with the awful tragedy of 10th Muharram? These are two totally seperate scenarios with completely different backgrounds.
These two events cannot be compared and a parallel cannot be drawn. The main difference in the scenarios is of the Enemies, the adversaries faced and the relation of the martyrs to the Prophet PBUH.
The Sahabah were martyred fighting the Kuffar, the idol worshippers, the ones who hated the Prophet PBUH & his followers and opposed him tooth and nail. The Kuffar sought to kill the Prophet PBUH and plotted several times to achieve that. They did not believe in one God and waged many wars against Muhammad PBUH for preaching Islam. Given this background, death was an expected possibility facing the Sahabah. Still they were courageous and full of spirit, and against all odds they defeated the Kuffar and many of them embraced martyrdom during this process. Their heroic deeds greatly helped in spreading Islam.
Lets take a look at what happened in Karbala. This time it is the Prophet’s Grandson and his Companions who are facing not the infidels, not the idol worshippers but there own fellow Muslims who believe in the same Allah & who believe in the same Prophet Muhammad PBUH. These purported Muslims go on and slaughter the Prophet’s family in a most brutal and barbaric manner. The Righteous are deprived of water for 3 days. The Prophet’s Grandson is decapitated and his body trampled to bits. His male companions also meet a heart rending fate. The female family members who survive face torture and imprisonment.
So, the extremely different circumstances are clear. It is clear what the Prophet’s PBUH reaction is on the martyrdom of his senior Sahabah, at the hands of the infidels. But it is unclear as to what his reaction would be at the martyrdom of his own Flesh & Blood, at the hand of fellow Muslims. As this event occurred after his death, nothing can be said with 100% certainty.
One thing is clear, the mourning practices do not have any reward or Sawab, as they are not Ibadah. But are these mourning practices innovation. This is a really difficult question to answer. Also, what is the proper way to mourn this tragedy. The solution lies in Ijtihad but that may also be a problem, depending on what sect or Ulema one follows.
I feel the irony, uniqueness and significance of the Karbala Tragedy is lost on most Muslims. If it is advisable to fast on 10th Muharram, then do it. But this cannot somehow diminish the Karbala Tragedy. All Muslims should look into the reasons why this event happened and what are the lessons to be learnt from it.
January 19th, 2008 at 5:17 am
ASSALA-MU-ALAIKUM…………….to all the people created by ALLAH>……….Thanks a lot for this beautiful information. Till now I had no Clue why we actually celebrate the 10th day Muharrram. I knew only one side of it that shias celebrate to mourn the death of ALi……Thanks for giving the other side which is why actually celebrate Ashura for. KHUDA HAFIZ……..
January 19th, 2008 at 5:51 am
As Salaam alaikum,
JazaakALLAHU khairan, Thanks for a good article and appriciatable reply by brother Matthew Collins.
Thanks again.
May ALLAH SWT give Hidaya to me and all of my muslim brothers and sisters.
January 19th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Salaamun Alaikom.
As a shia Muslim who has benefited from your website and many useful material, I would like to mention some points about your article:
1) None of shia scholars do not affirm any extreme behavior who harms body (like cutting themselves with knives, etc) and shia leaders consider those acts Haraam. Therefore, what some parts of shia community do should not be generalized to the shia theology.
2) Mourning and grieving for the Karbala massacre was traditionally conceived as an objection to the cruelty of the so called Islamic government towards the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad whose only concern and intention was to reform the deviated religion of his grandfather, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is still the case now, and shia Muslims commemorate that event, because of the great sacrifice of Hossein Ibn Ali for reforming Islam.
3) Generally, mourning and being sad about an event such as loosing a great human is present in the Islamic theology. It is exactly the case with the Prophet Ya’ghoub for Prophet Yousef, and also the case of declaring the year in which Khadija (Prophet Muhammad’s wife) and Abou Taleb (Prophet Muhammad’s uncle) as Aam-ol-Hozn (Year of Grieve). Therefore, we could say that the Karbala massacre was so shocking that caused some Muslims to leave happiness in that day and exercise grieving instead.
This discussion can be continued, if anyone was willing to ask further questions.
May Allah help Muslims all over the world to unite according to our great commonalities (the Qur’an, Prophet Muhammad Hadiths, etc) in order to beat Kuffar.
January 19th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Sister Parvin – salamalaikum,
Thanks for your comments. I do not consider myself religious by any account. I am the first one to say that Muslims should never get into arguments that split them apart but I have some serious questions and issues regarding some Shia beliefs. May be you can help all of us answer those –
before I ask the questions, I want you to watch three videos that are posted on youtube – there are many more such videos but these are only indicative of the issues I want to address with my shia sisters and brothers.
1) please search on the keyword “muharram lebanon” on youtube dot com – you will see a video titled “Muharram - Shiite Ritual” – watch that….
2) go to site ahlelbayt dot com – scroll down and watch the video “Video: Shia Scholars…………..” - make sure to watch until the end..
These are Shia scholars from around the world cursing sayyidana ayeshah. How can Shias justify the language used by Shia Scholars? We are not talking about some ignorant people off the street. In our religion, Allah tells us NEVER to curse even other gods – how can these scholars from many countries justify using foul language against the beloved wife of Prophet ? Even if she was not beloved, does this make sense to you to use this language for anyone?
In the Muharram video where many Shiites in Lebanon are taking part in this ritual by the thousands, how can you justify the brutal hurting of children? Does that make sense?
As for the beloved grandsons of the prophet, we all respect them but can they ever rise to the levels of the many prophets and messangers who were brutally murdered? If if if even there was justification of hurting yourself in mournings, the prophets mourning is more justified than the grandsons of a prophet.
I hope I am not offending anyone but these are facts – ritual of thousands of people and Shiite scholars. Is that justified? Please watch those vides until the end. Also, if you think that they are isolated cases, you can find hundreds of similar videos of scholard and people from other parts of the world.
I am not religious and do believe that everyone has their own beliefs but this behavior does not seem “religious” to me by any accounts.
~ Jwaher
January 20th, 2008 at 5:59 am
Assalamualaikum,
Lets come to a common terms between us.We don’t have to divide our selves as Sunnis or Shiets.At the time of our beloved prophet there was no such thing like this.If we divide our selves like this,then only every evil things comes in to our society.at the time of the Prophet or Sahabas there was no deviation like this.If you would have asked this from them(Who are you?)They would have said I’m nothing but a Muslim.Please everyone of us should make an effort to have some dialogs and leave those differences and come to a same and fine platform which will stand along with the Qu’ran and the Sunna of our prophet.Jazakallahuhairan.
January 21st, 2008 at 5:09 am
This is an extract of responses from some of the Islamic scholars – see references at the end –
Fasting The 9th, 10th Or 10th and 11th of Muharram
[A]: The fast of the day of ‘Ashura’ (tenth day of Muharram) is recommended, as its excellence has been mentioned in (a number of) ahaadeeth. From them, is the saying of the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam): “Certainly the fast of the day of ‘Ashura’ is regarded by Allah as an expiation for the sins of the previous year.”
Also, when the Prophet (Salla ‘Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) arrived in Madeenah he saw the Jews fasting (on this day), so when he asked them (about this), they said: “Certainly, this is the day when Allah made Moosaa victorious and destroyed Fir’own”. So the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “We have more of a right to Moosaa than you.” So he fasted (that day) and ordered it to be fasted.”
As for the ninth, then it has not been confirmed that the Prophet (Sallallahu’alayhi wa sallam) fasted it, however, it has been narrated by Ibn ‘Abbaass (RadhiAllahu ‘anhu) and others that the explanation (tafseer) of the day of
‘Ashura’ is that it is the ninth. And it has been narrated that he (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“If I am (still) here next year, then certainly I will fast the ninth (day of Muharram)” And in (another) narration: “along with the tenth (day of Muharram).”
And he (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Differ from the Jews; fast the day before it (the ninth) or the day after it (the eleventh).”
So, this indicates that the fast of the ninth is legislated just as the tenth and it is recommended for the Muslims to increase in fasting during this month as in the saheeh hadeeth. The Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The best of fasts after (the month of) Ramadhaan is the month of Allah which they refer to as Muharram.”
On this day, the tenth of Muharram, there occurred an incident and that was the murder of al-Husayn (RadhiAllahu ‘anhu). And when he was murdered that day, the Raafidhah (commonly known as the Shee’ah) - may Allah disgrace them - (who are amongst those who exceed (their love for) ‘Alee (Ibn Abee Taalib) and his family such as al-Hasan and al-Husayn and their children), begun an innovation on that day which still exists today. And from their innovations are lamenting (loud weeping), obsequies (gathering as if for a funeral), afflicting oneself with cuts and acts of (the days of) ignorance (before Islaam), such as striking their cheeks and ripping their pockets (clothing), tearing out of the hair, supplicating with grief and distress throughout this day every year. They circulate many ahaadeeth regarding the day of ‘Ashura’ and its misfortune (concerning al-Husayn) and these ahaadeeth are lies against the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).
Then there was a nation called the Nawaasib, who were fanatics in contrast to the Shee’ah, who also began innovations. However, they were quite opposite to the Raafidhah. They would come out in their best garments and complete beauty and appearance, so as to irritate the Raafidhah, as they (also) circulated many ahaadeeth about the excellence of the day of ‘Ashura’, in (vast) contrast to the ahaadeeth which the Raafidhah had circulated. So, the Raafidhah say it is mentioned in the hadeeth: Whoever applies kohl (eyeliner - to the eyes) and beautifies (themselves) on the Day of ‘Ashura’, they are struck with ophthalmia. And the Nawaasib say: Whoever applies kohl (eyeliner - to the eyes) on the Day of ‘Ashura’ their eyes will never be struck with ophthalmia. And like this, they innovate and lie against the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and they act likewise. So, it is upon the Muslim not to be deceived by (any of) these (people). 1
The Permissibility Of Fasting Only On The Day Of ‘Ashura’
[Q]: Is it permissible to fast ‘Ashura’ just one day?
A]: The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa: 2
It is permissible to fast the day of ‘Ashura’ (tenth day of Muharram) just one day, however, it is better to fast the day before it or the day after it (also) and this is the established Sunnah of the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) who said: “If I am (still) here next year, then certainly I shall fast the ninth (day of Muharram)” 3
Ibn ‘Abbaas (RadhiAllahu ‘anhu) said: “along with the tenth (day of Muharram)” And with Allah lies all the success, and may Allah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) family and his companions.
1 Shaykh Ibn Jibreen Fataawa as-Siyaam - Page 94, Fatwa No.113,
2 comprising Head: Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez ibn Abdullaah ibn Baaz; Deputy Head: Shaykh ‘Abdur-Razzaaq ‘Afeefee; Member: Shaykh ‘Abdullaah Ibn Ghudayyaan Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-’Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. - Volume 10, Page 401, Fatwa No.13700
3 Reported by Muslim, Ahmad, Ibn Maajah, Ibn Abee Shaybah, at-Tahaawee, al-Bayhaqee
and al-Baghawee
The noble Shaykh ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy upon him) was asked: what is the ruling on fasting on Friday?
Fasting on a Friday is disliked, but not in the absoloute sense. So fasting on a Friday is disliked for the one who intended to fast it and singled it out for fasting [only] due to the saying of the prophet (salAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam):
“Do not single out the Friday for fasting nor its night for standing [in prayer – i.e. Thursday night]”
As for if a person fasted coincidentally on a Friday due to it being a habitual practice of the person to fast, then there is no objection in that and the person is not at liberty. And likewise if he fasted the day before or the day after it [ i.e. Friday] there is no objection in that and the person is not at liberty, and there is no dislike [Islamically, in the matter]. An example of the first case: if it was from the habit of a person to fast one day and leave a day [fasting alternative days] and coincidentally fasted on a Friday, then there is no wrong/ objection in that. Likewise, if it was the persons habit to fast the day of ‘Arafah and coincidentally the day of ‘Arafah landed on a Friday, then there is no objection to him fasting on that Friday nor any restriction upon him because indeed he did not single out this day [to fast] merely because of it being a Friday but rather due to it being the day of ‘Arafah and likewise even if this day coincided with the day of ‘Ashura’ and he was limited to it [ i.e. to only fasting that day], then there is no objection in that [for him to fast] even though it would be better for him to also fast the day before or day after the day of ‘Ashura’.
The second example: to fast the Thursday or Saturday along with the Friday. As for the one who fasted Friday without an eligible reason [such as it being other than a habit, or an act of sunnah that coincides with this day], then we say to him: if you wanted to fast Saturday [along with the Friday] then proceed with your fasting [on the Friday] and if you did not want to fast Saturday nor Thursday, then do not fast [on Friday] in accordance with what the messenger of Allah (salAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) ordered, and Allah is the Successful.
Question: May the blessings of Allah be upon you, is it permissible to fast the day of Friday on its own?
Response: The prophet (salAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam prohibited fasting the day of Friday on its own. One of his wives entered upon him or it was him who entered upon her and he found her fasting [on a Friday] so he asked her:
“did you fast yesterday?”
… and she replied: “no”
…he asked her: “are you going to fast tomorrow?”
… she replied: “no”
…so he said: “break your fast”.
But if Friday coincided with the day of ‘Arafah for example, and a person then fasted it [i.e. only the Friday], then there is no harm or objection [in doing so] because this man [questioner] fasted [the Friday] because of it being the day of ‘Arafah and not because it was merely a Friday [and] if Friday coincided with the day of ‘Ashura’ and he fasted it then there is no objection in him to singularly fast that that day since he fasted it because it is the day of ‘Ashura’ and not because it is merely a Friday. For this reason the prophet (salAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“do not single out the day of Friday for fasting nor its night for standing [in prayer, i.e. Thursday night]” .
So the matter has been determined with regards to a person who does this, particularly with regards to [fasting] the day of Friday and [standing in prayer on] the night of Friday [ i.e. Thursday night]
Question : Is it permissible to fast ‘Ashura. just one day?
Response: It is permissible to fast the day of ‘Ashura. (tenth day of Muharram) just one day, however, it is better to fast the day before it or the day after it (also) and this is the established Sunnah of the Prophet (sal-Allahu `alayhe wa sallam) who said:
If I am (still) here next year, then certainly I shall fast the ninth (day of Muharram , [(reported by) Muslim, Ahmad, Ibn Maajah, Ibn Abee Shaybah, at-Tahaawee, al-Bayhaqee and al-Baghawee]. Ibn ‘Abbaass (radhi-yAllahu ‘anhumaa) said:
along with the tenth (day of Muharram.
And with Allah lies all the success, and may Allah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.
January 21st, 2008 at 9:58 am
Thanks Mos for providing such a beautiful comment which clearly distinguishes between sunni & other sects in Islam. Thanks to Iqrasense for a useful article like this which every muslim should be aware of.
January 22nd, 2008 at 5:01 am
Jazakallah kairaljaza to Iqrasense.com for sending such relevant articles. Really you doing a great job for the cause of Allah. we muslims must fast such occassions and should not contradict for different reasons.
Note: You should quote the hadith that what are the rewards for fasting on Ashura
January 22nd, 2008 at 9:01 am
I have read that prophet Mohammed used to fast during Ramadan, day of Ashura, also three days in a month.Can anyone clarify as to which three days in a month we have to fast?Thanks.
January 22nd, 2008 at 7:42 pm
I studied the comments. I am a Shia from Iran. My dear brothers and sisters let’s not curse each other and discuss the points of difference by patience and reasoning and by clinging only to the HOLY QURAN not Ahadith and also not put them aside. Because a lot of Ahadith have been fabricated in order to serve one’s own purpose. We respect our Sunni brothers and sisters. But as you know the history is written by the conqureres and we were not conqureres. As a muslim and following the HOLY QURAN , we must think and elaborate on Ahadith. Consider the Hadith : ” The fast of the day of Ashura is regarded by Allah as an expiation for the sins of the previous year.” Now let’s answer the folllowing questions: 1. Can we find a proof from the HOLY Quran denoting that obligatory fasting will expiate the sins , let alone the one-day fasting in Ashura or we learn from the HOLY QURAN that all kinds of worship assigned by Allah are gifts and prepare us for performing our Islamic duties well. 2. Do not you think that such an idea will pave the way for committing sins in the previous year 2. Bokhari and Muslim were Iranians and they collected their numerous Ahadith after 200 Hejrat when the conflicts between Shias and Sunnis were on the height and each group had fabricated Ahadith in order to serve their purposes.
January 22nd, 2008 at 8:14 pm
dawud..
in reply of ur qs .. i would like 2 tell u that , we r not fighting here.. we r here 2 find the truth.. and as we all r muslims we should know what is right and what is wrong 4 us.. being a muslim doesnt mean that u r shia or sunni, it means 2 follow what prophet Mohammed used to do.. and do it wisely. and that whatever diffrence were made should be clarified .. and make awareness among others and get them on right track.. practice what prophet mohammed did and let us not do something which he hasent told us 2 do.. understand what is right. i understand that things r difficult to understand but can answers..
so let us all pray 2 allah and ask him for forgivness and show us the right path and do things which our rassul did and not what others did..
January 23rd, 2008 at 3:14 am
Assalamu Alaikum dear friends,
I fully agree with the opinion of Mathew Collins. Mourning on tenth Muharram is not apractice followed by Rasulullah(s) and hence it is an innovation.
January 23rd, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Parvin | pardaeipour@gmail.com | IP: 85.15.26.91
AlaikomoSalaam Sister Jwaher,
I do apologize for the delay. I couldn’t watch the video about Prophet’s wife, due to technical problems, but I read the comments about it.
There are many points to mention, and I will elaborate on them here. Our main discussion was about Ashura, but as you mentioned something about another debate, I will first mention that.
1) The majority of Shia scholars and clergies and the most important of them are in the institutions from Najaf, Qom, and Beirut. Each of them is considered as a school on its own, and although there are other schools in countries like Kuwait or other countries, they are not considered leading or important. Therefore, to be honest, I do not consider the so called scholars that have done such acts as really scholarly.
2) According to the Qur’an, all Prophet’s wives should be respected and are called “Ommol Mo’menin”. But this is not to say that all of them were very pious, as is apparent from the Surat “Tahrim” which has serious Ayats about two of them. Therefore, what all we should say, and Shia scholars (according to my definition) say is that they should be really respected, and they can do bad things as well. Allame Askari, which is a highly knowledgable Shia scholar, calls Aisha “Ommol Mo’menin”, although condemns some historical stories in which she has had a bad role.
3) Regarding Ashura, it should be noted that no Shia says that such acts are not done via some masses, but what I say is that such acts are Haram according to Shia scholars, and that is a general problem with masses (weather Sunni or Shia) that they are hardliner and radical. For example, there are Sunni sects like Alqa’ida and others who consider Shias as Kuffar and suggest killing them as a virtuous act (the results of which is seen in blood bathes in Pakistan and Iraq). Therefore, the duty of scholars in any religion is to try to elevate the status of masses, which has proved to be a difficult task, if not impossible! As an example, I shall mention some points from Imam Khomeini, the most influential shia scholars in Iran and probably the whole world in the twentieth century. Imam khomeini condemned such acts in Ashura. He decreed his followers going to Haj to pray behind the Sunni Imam and just similar to Sunnis. He ended the dispute regarding Prophet’s date of birth (Sunnis mostly believe it to be 12 Rabi’olAval and Shias mostly 17 Rabi’olAval) by declaring the week between them as the “Unity week” between Shia and Sunni. Shia scholars have constantly supported Palestine, although they are apparently Sunni, and the same goes for Chechnya and Bosnia. The policy in Iran is always around Muslim world, and regardless of political matters, we support Muslims all over the world. Shahid Motahhari, which is the most important theologian in Iran, declares todays Ashura in Palestine, and the Killer of Hossein as Israel.
There is still much to say.
I welcome any further comments
Va aakhero da’vaanaa anel Hamdo leLlaahe Rabbel Aalamin.
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January 24th, 2008 at 7:06 am
It is a historical fact that the holy Prophets’, (PBUH), beloved grandson
and his family were slaughtered and martyred by yazid’s army
on the 10th of moharram 61 Hijri.
Whether you regard this as an occasion to celebrate in happiness
or mourn the loss and the atrocities committed in the name of Islam
is your own outlook.
January 26th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Islam is a religion that has not allowed to mourn for its’ prophet; so what about his grandsons.
January 27th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
does anyone know about what happened between the wall and door of the house of sorrow when the holy messenger had left this world? if you can justify this act performed by the followers of your khalifahs and your khalifahs themselves then surley i would welcome the ahlul sunna version of islam into my heart with open arms? before asking why we remember this death of husayn (not ali) at karbala do you actually know what happened?? if the hindus and sikhs of india can be reduced to tears then why cant those who call themselves the lovers of the rassulalah? ask yourself why the hindu women have a tradition of throwing milk towards hussayns processions of commemeration when they go past? ask yourselves why the poetic sentence “who has ever heard of children being thirsty betweem two rivers” causes such hurt in the hearts of the shia? ask yourselves why umme rubab the mother of the 6 month old baby spent a whole year sleeping in the open air once she and the others were finally set free by yazid and returned to madina? please listen to the lecture i recomended it is entitled origins of the fast of ashura.
January 27th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
dr farzana - When hasnt islam allowed to mourn for its phrophet? Didnt prophet yaqub cry until his eyes went white and this was while prophet yusuf was still alive? The people of the sunna follow the tradition of the prophet.. dont we have a mourning period of 40 days when anyone passes from this world? Surely islam encourages mourning as it is a reminder that one day we will meet our end and this reminder brings us back to our purpose in life of this life as a test to decide where we will spend the next??
January 28th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Quran:
The Holy Quran from the Chapter ADH-DHAARIYAAT we learn that Lady Sara (a.s.) struck her face when she was told that she would conceive a baby.
“Then came forward his wife in grief, she smote her face and said (what! I) an old barren woman?”
Quran 51:29
Thus it is evident that smiting the face was not an objectionable act in the sight of Allah, otherwise Allah would have reprimanded her for doing so.
From respected Sunni sources:
Hadhrath Aisha regarded by Ahl’ul Sunnah as the most knowledgeable woman on Qur’an and Sunnah performed the following when the Prophet (S) left this earth:
As narrated by al Tabari in History Volume 9 page 183 (English translation by Ismail Poonawalla)
Abbas narrates:
“I heard Aisha saying “The Messenger of God died on my bosom during my turn, I did not wrong anyone in regard to him. It was because of my ignorance and youthfulness that the Messenger of God died while he was in my lap. Then I laid his head on a pillow and got up beating my chest and slapping my face along with the women”.
Need we say anymore? Would the wives of the Prophet (S) indulge in a Haraam activity?
According to Musnad of Imam Ahmad Hanbal Vol. 6, page 274; Aisha mourned the demise of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w) with other women by beating her head
January 28th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
From respected Sunni sources:
Hadhrath Aisha regarded by Ahl’ul Sunnah as the most knowledgeable woman on Qur’an and Sunnah performed the following when the Prophet (S) left this earth:
As narrated by al Tabari in History Volume 9 page 183 (English translation by Ismail Poonawalla)
Abbas narrates:
“I heard Aisha saying “The Messenger of God died on my bosom during my turn, I did not wrong anyone in regard to him. It was because of my ignorance and youthfulness that the Messenger of God died while he was in my lap. Then I laid his head on a pillow and got up beating my chest and slapping my face along with the women”.
Need we say anymore? Would the wives of the Prophet (S) indulge in a Haraam activity?
According to Musnad of Imam Ahmad Hanbal Vol. 6, page 274; Aisha mourned the demise of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w) with other women by beating her head!!! surely this makes it clear even by your own holy people… its also in the qur’an itslef-
Quran:
The Holy Quran from the Chapter ADH-DHAARIYAAT we learn that Lady Sara (a.s.) struck her face when she was told that she would conceive a baby.
“Then came forward his wife in grief, she smote her face and said (what! I) an old barren woman?”
Quran 51:29
Thus it is evident that smiting the face was not an objectionable act in the sight of Allah, otherwise Allah would have reprimanded her for doing so.
January 29th, 2008 at 5:33 am
syed aun,still street demonstrations, beating and cutting chest with blades,walking on fire,annual gathering day and night with mixing of men and women who are not mahram of course not justified.Your references need verification.Hindus and sikhs do alot such acts.They are millions of such ‘occasions’ to mourn to mourn.This is actually their culture.They even bow and pray to so called Tazias as they do for decorated statues of child Rama, Hanuman and others.I see a great resemblance.Did any Islamic personality since Adam alaihissalam do like this.Even Syedna Hussain RadiAllah anho did not do anything having a trace of similarity though he saw martyrdom of his father Syednsa Ali and his elder brother Syedna Hasan RadiAllah anhoma.Syedna hasan even made an agreement with the people who were against to his father in his life.Most important thing is fear of Allah and considering that it is his resources and gifts and energies that we waste on such occasions and it He who will ask and give us returns of our actions.Associations with great personalities will do nothing ( Al Baqrah Ayah 48).May Allah guide we all to right path.
January 31st, 2008 at 9:04 pm
The Nahjul Balagha is considered sacred by the Shia, which they consider the most reliable source for the words, sermons, and letters of Ali (???? ???? ???). Let us examine one of these sermons in particular, which is available on the popular Shia website, Al-Islam.org:
Nahjul Balagha, Sermon 126
Ali says:
“With regard to me, two categories of people will be ruined, namely he who loves me too much and the love takes him away from rightfulness, and he who hates me too much and the hatred takes him away from rightfulness. The best man with regard to me is he who is on the middle course. So be with him and be with the great majority of Muslims because Allah’s hand of protection is on keeping unity. You should beware of division because the one isolated from the group is a prey to Satan just as the one isolated from the flock of sheep is a prey to the wolf. Beware! Whoever calls to this course [of sectarianism], kill him, even though he may be under this headband of mine.”
(Source: Al-Islam.org, http://www.al-islam.org/nahjul/126.htm)
Let us now reflect on the words of Ali (???? ???? ???), line by line.
“With regard to me, two categories of people will be ruined, namely he who loves me too much and the love takes him away from rightfulness…”
We could not possibly find a better description for the Shia than this. The Shia love Ali (???? ???? ???) so much that they exaggerate and exalt his status to a level of Shirk, thereby going away from rightfulness. The Shia give the names of Allah to Ali (???? ???? ???), calling him the Living “Ism-i Azam” of Allah, or the Living Supreme Name of Allah. They call Ali (???? ???? ???) the Mazhar Al Aja-ib (The Executor of Wonders) and Mushkil Kusha (the Remover of Hardships) . They exaggerate so much that they call Ali (???? ???? ???) to be the Yadullah (hand of Allah). They call him Asdadullah (unconquerable and ever-overpowering strength of Allah). They say Ali (???? ???? ???) was too powerful for even the angels to stop him, that all the atoms in the world submit to Ali (???? ???? ???), that Ali (???? ???? ???) is the speaking Quran, and is the Mirror of Allah.
Look how loving Ali (???? ???? ???) too much has caused them to exaggerate his status like the Christians did with Jesus (???? ??????), and look how this leads to Shirk. It also leads to going away from rightfulness, such as how the Shia hate the wives and companions of the Prophet (???? ???? ???? ???? ?????). Ali (???? ???? ???) warned the Shia on this matter. And the source is the Shia’s very own Nahjul Balagha.
“…and he who hates me too much and the hatred takes him away from rightfulness. The best man with regard to me is he who is on the middle course. So be with him and be with the great majority of Muslims because Allah’s hand of protection is on keeping unity.”
Ali (???? ???? ???) says not to hate him like the Nasibis (haters of Ahlel Bayt). He then says that the best of people are the ones who are on the middle course. Who else is that other than the mainstream Muslims (i.e. the Ahlus Sunnah)? The Ahlus Sunnah loves Ali (???? ???? ???) deeply, and considers him one of the greatest Sahabah. On the other hand, the Ahlus Sunnah does not exaggerate by giving him characteristics of Allah, nor do they hate the wives or friends of the Prophet (???? ???? ???? ???? ?????).
Ali (???? ???? ???) says be with the majority of Muslims because Allah’s hand of protection is on keeping unity. Can the Shia really get a clearer command than this? Who is the majority of the Muslims other than the orthodox Ahlus Sunnah? Ali (???? ???? ???) says be with the great majority of Muslims, not split up into these tiny Shia sects.
“You should beware of division because the one isolated from the group is a prey to Satan just as the one isolated from the flock of sheep is a prey to the wolf.”
So why is it then that the Shia have schismed from the Ummah? Are they not a prey of Shaitan’s now? And so it is that Shaitan has infiltrated the ranks of the Shia, leading so many millions of Shia astray. Why do the Shia not follow Ali (???? ???? ???) when he says to be with the great majority of Muslims?
“Whoever calls to this course [of sectarianism], kill him, even though he may be under this headband of mine.”
Even if someone claims to be a Shia’t Ali (i.e. under the headband of Ali), he really is an enemy of Ali (???? ???? ???) if he calls for sectarianism and the creation of a religious sect. This is Ali’s condemnation of all Shia sects that have split away from the mainstream Muslims. Ali (???? ???? ???) even commanded these heretics to be killed, so it can be seen that he has no compassion for any of these deviants even if they claim to love him.
February 1st, 2008 at 5:30 pm
The extreme mourning of Hadrath Uways al-Qarni (ra)
The most explicit proof of self-inflicted injury comes from Owais al-Qarni the great Muslim Sahabi, praised by both Shi’a and Sunni erudite. He had an immense love for the Holy Prophet (s). When the news reached him in Yemen that two teeth of the Holy Prophet (s) were broken in the battle of Ohad, he extracted all his teeth. When the Holy Prophet (s) got the news in Medina that Owais had struck down all his teeth, he (s) exclaimed, “Indeed Owais is our devoted friend”. This event can be found written in ‘Seerate Halbia’ vol II, page 295.
The renowned Sunni Scholar Shiekh Farid al Din Attaar in ‘Tadhkhirathul Awliya’ Urdu translation page 17 and 18 writes:
“Hadhrath Uways Qarni (ra) said to Hadhrath Umar Khattab (ra): ‘If you were true in friendship than why on the day when the holy teeth of the Prophet (s) were broken didn’t you break your teeth in companionship? Because, it is a condition of companionship.’ Then he showed his teeth all of which were broken and said ‘I broke all of my teeth without seeing you (O Prophet) and in the state of Ghaybah in your companionship. I had broken one tooth but couldn’t get satisfaction so kept on breaking them one by one until I had broken them all ‘”.
The episode can also be found at a Sunni website:
http://www.aghayiah.com/hazrat-oawis.htm
Comment
Had the breaking of teeth by Uways Qarni (ra) been in opposition to Shariah, Hadrath Umar would certainly have pointed it out at the time or at least commented and answered the accusation by Uways Qarni (ra) of his less than perfect companionship. The silence of Umar proves that he didn’t deem the act of breaking one’s teeth as done by Uways Qarni (ra) as opposed to Shariah but considered it an act of sincerity and also a proof of friendship.
We should point out that breaking one’s teeth is a thousand times more painful than the beating of one’s chest for a few hours. It is more extreme than chest beating with chains or knives (Zanjeer) because those who have suffered from tooth ache will understand the immense pain that circulates in the mouth and head. Compare the removal of a tooth to the forced removal of a full set of teeth without the benefit of modern day anaesthetics and instruments. The pain must have been unbearable. This was clearly an act of great courage.
Beating and mourning by Uthman’s wives and daughter
We read in Tareekh Kamil Volume 3 page 89:
“When Uthman was killed his killers intended to sever his head. His wives Naila and Umm’ul Baneen lay over him screamed and began to beat their faces”
Narrations also record that Uthman’s daughter also acted likewise. As evidence we shall rely on the following Sunni works:
Al Bidayah wa al Nihaya Volume 7 page 371
Tareekh Tabari Volume 6 page 302
Tareekh Hisham Kufi page 159
“Ibn Jareer narrates that when the killer intended to sever Uthman’s head, the women began to scream and strike their faces. This included Uthman’s wives Naila, Ummul Baneen and daughter”.
Al Bidayah wa al Nihaya, Volume 7, page 371
If the wives of Uthman can mourn Uthman’s killing in this way then the Shi’a of Maula ‘Ali (as) can likewise mourn the slaying of Imam Husayn (as) in this way.
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:17 am
i request all my Shia brothers to stop such practices which not only hurting them physically but also discreting d image of islam.
May Allah Almighty guide us all….ameen