MUHARRAM- AASHURA
Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam migrated to Madinah Munawwarah in the month of Rabi ul Awwal. The following year (2 A.H.), in the month of Muharram, he Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam witnessed that the Jews of Madinah Munawwarah were fasting. Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam inquired from them as to why they were observing the fast on that particular day. They exclaimed that it was on this day that Allah Ta’ala delivered Hadrat Moosa Alaihis Salaam and the Bani Israeel from the tyranny and oppression of Firoun and his people, and Allah Ta’ala destroyed Firoun and his army. In gratitude and thanks to Allah Ta’ala, Moosa Alaihis Salaam fasted on this day. Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam remarked, “We are more worthy of following Moosa Alaihis Salaam than you.” Thereafter, Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam fasted on this day and ordered the Sahabah h to fast as well. [Bukhari]
The people during the days of ignorance would fast on the day of Aashura. The Muslims would also fast before the compulsion of Ramadaan. When the fast of Ramadhaan became obligatory Rasulullah g said, “Verily Aashura is a day from amongst the days of Allah, whoever wishes may fast and whoever wishes may omit the fast.” [Baihaqi]
CONTRADICTING THE JEWS
Ibn Abbas Radiallahu Anhu narrates that when Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam fasted on the day of Aa’shura and commanded others to fast, the Sahaaba enquired, “O Rasul of Allah, verily this is a day that is revered by the Jews and Christians.” Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “In the following year, we will fast on the 9th as well but before the coming of the following year Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam departed from this temporary world.” [Abu Dawud]
In the narration of Ibn Abi Shaiba, Ibn Abbas Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “If I live until the following year, then I will most certainly fast on the 9th.”
Qatadah Radiallahu Anhu narrates that the fast of the day of Arafah (9th of Dhul Hijjah) is a means of expiation of the sins of the current year and the subsequent year whilst the fast of Aashura is a means of expiation of one year’s sins.
SPENDING ON ONE’S FAMILY
It is recorded in Mishkaat-ul-Masaabeeh that whosoever spends freely on his family members (those whom he is responsible to maintain) on the day of Aashura, Allah Ta’ala will grant him in abundance for the remaining year.
Sufyaan Thauri Radiallahu Anhu says, “We practiced upon this narration with our companions in order to verify the authenticity of the narration and we enjoyed abundance of sustenance as recorded. However, a new trend seems to be creeping into society whereby gifts are exchanged amongst extended family members on the day of Aashura. There is no basis for such a custom. The narration refers to spending on one’s immediate family (household members) upon whom one is required to spend as a duty.
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