Reward for Fasting in the Month of Muharram
Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “The most superior fast after the month of Ramadaan is in the month of Allah, Muharram. And the most superior Salaah after the (five) compulsory Salaah is the night Salaah (Tahajjud Salaah).”
Ibn Abbas Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “He who fasts on the day of Arafah shall have his sins expiated for two years. He who fasts on a single day in Muharram shall have his sins of 30 days expiated for each day that he fasts.” [Tabraani]
Reward for One who Fasts on the day of Aashura
Abu Qatadah Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam was asked about fasting on the day of Aashura. He said: “It is an atonement for the past year.” [Sahih Muslim]
Spending on One’s Family on the day of Aashura
Ibn Masood Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said, “Whoever spends freely upon his family on the day of Aashurah, Allah Ta’ala will grant him in abundance throughout the year.” [Baihaqi]
Sufyaan Bin Uyayna Rahimahullah says, “I tried this for the last fifty to sixty years, and I have not seen anything except good.” [Lataa’if-ul-Maa’arif Pg.54 Vol.1]
Jaabir Radiallahu Anhu says, “I tried this for forty years, and it was proven to be correct.” [Haashiyah Ibn Aabideen Pg.418 Vol.2]
As for the narration that states that whoever applies Surmah to the eyes on the day of Aashura will not experience pain or inflammation of the eyes forever, or for the rest of the year, ithas been categorized as a weak narration by majority of the commentators of Hadith. Ibn Jowzi has classified it amongst the fabricated narrations. [Haashiyah Ibn Aabideen Pg.418 Vol.2]
New year Resolution
Generally people make resolutions for the new year and try to achieve new targets and goals. Our resolution for the new year should be, to give up our life of disobedience to Allah Ta’ala, and to obey every command of Allah Ta’ala. The Quraan Sharif states, “The pleasure of Allah is the greatest. This is the ultimate success.” When Allah Ta’ala is pleased with a person, then he will be blessed with peace of mind, happiness, Barakah and a life of enjoyment and contentment. On the contrary, the displeasure of Allah Ta’ala draws all forms of calamities and problems.
Day of Taubah
The day of Aashura is a day of turning to Allah Ta’ala and repenting for our sins. It is a day that Allah Ta’ala accepted the Taubah of a nation (Bani Isra’eel), and will accept the repentance of others also. It is on this day that they were granted salvation from Firoun and his people.
May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq. Ameen!