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❗ The month of al-Muharram has arrived!
✅ From the words of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr, may Allah be pleased with him, it is reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
“The best fast after fasting in the month of Ramadan is fasting in the month of Allah - al-Muharram.” Muslim 1163.
Hafiz Ibn Rajab said: “The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, called al-Muharram the month of Allah, and the attribution of this month to Allah indicates its honor and dignity.” See “Lataif al-ma'arif” 89.
Someone may ask: If voluntary fasting in the month of al-Muharram is best post, then why then are there no messages from the companions that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, would fast diligently during this month, as, say, in the month of Sha’ban, about which ‘Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: «
In no month did the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, fast more than in Sha’ban.”
al-Bukhari 1970, Muslim 1156.
The answer to this was given by Imam an-Nawawi, who said: “One of the reasons why the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, did not fast in the month of Muharram as diligently as he fasted in Sha'ban may be that knowledge the superiority of fasting in Muharram could have been revealed to him at the end of his life.” See Sharh Sahih Muslim 8/232.
✅ Also, the month of al-Muharram stands out because it contains the great day of ‘Ashura, which falls on the tenth.
Abu Qatada reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“I hope in Allah that fasting on the day of Ashura will serve as atonement for the sins of the past year!” Muslim 1162.
Imam at-Tibi said: “The word “hope” is connected with the words “in Allah,” which indicates that the promise will come true.” See “al-Kashif an haqaik al-Sunan” 5/1608.
Abu Jabala said: “I was on the road with Ibn Shihab (az-Zuhri) and he observed the fast of the day of ‘Ashura. When they said to him: “You observe the fast of ‘Ashura on the road, but do not observe the fast of the month of Ramadan on the road?” He replied: “Truly, Ramadan can be made up on other days, but the day of ‘Ashura can no longer be made up!”” al-Bayhaqi in “Shu’ab al-iman” 5/335.
✅ Should one fast on the day of ‘Ashura with the day before it or after it?
Ibn 'Abbas said:
«
When the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, fasted on the day of Ashura and ordered his companions to do the same, they said: “O Messenger of Allah, this is a day that is honored by Jews and Christians.” Then the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:“
Next year, Allah willing, we will fast on the ninth
”
. But before the attack next year The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has passed away
»
.
Muslim 1/151.
‘Ata said: “Ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, fasted the day before (‘Ashura) and the day after it.” at-Tabari in “Tahzib al-asar” 1430. See “Ma sah min asar as-sahaba” 2/675.
Also, the point of desirability of fasting on ‘Ashura with the day before and after is to not miss this great day in case of incorrect calculation of the onset of the month of Muharram. They said that the hadith: “Next year, Allah willing, we will fast on the ninth.” Muslim 1/151, explains another hadith of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, who said: “If, Allah willing, I live to see the next year, then I will fast on the ninth, for fear of missing the day of Ashura.” at-Tabarani in “al-Kabir” 10817. The hadith is reliable. See “as-Silsilya as-sahiha” 350.
Shu’ba said: “Ibn ‘Abbas observed fasting on the day of Ashura even while on the road, also fasting the day before and after it, fearing to miss this day.” at-Tabari in “Tahzib al-asar” 597.
Regarding fasting on the day of ‘Ashura, Imam Ibn al-Qayyim said: “Fasting on this day has three types:
The best of them is fasting with a day before and a day after it.
Then the next type is fasting on the ninth and tenth day, and most of the hadith indicate this.
And after this, fasting occurs only on the day of Ashura, the tenth.” See “Zadul-ma’ad” 2/76.
✅ Is the day of Ashura an Eid holiday?
Abu Musa al-Ash'ari, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
« The day of 'Ashura was a holiday / 'Eid' among the Jews, and therefore the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “ And you are fasting on this day! ” » al-Bukhari 2005, Muslim 1131.
Hafiz Ibn Rajab said: “This hadith indicates the prohibition of choosing the day of ‘Ashura as a holiday. Fasting on this day indicates that this day is not a holiday.” See “Lataif al-ma'arif” 112.
❗ The mentioned hadith clearly indicates that the day of ‘Ashura is not an ‘Eid in Islam! Yes, for fasting on the day of ‘Ashura, great reward, however, this does not mean that this day is a holiday among Muslims. And based on this, it becomes clear the mistake of many Muslims who believe that the day of Ashura is Eid, and for this reason they prepare food dedicated to this day for distribution, treats, etc. There is no indication of the legality of this in Islam. Sheikhul-Islam Ibn Taymiyya said: “There is not a single indication of this, neither from the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, nor from the companions, nor from any of the imams, nor from the four madhhabs. There is not a single reliable message about this, not in any book of hadith, be it the books “Sahih”, “Sunan” or “Musnad”. See “Majmu'ul-fatawa” 25/299.
In the Muslim tradition, there are days on which joy is mixed with mourning. They give rise to special feelings in the souls of believers. Take, for example, the festival of Ashura. This is a great day for any Muslim. People get together, hold theatrical events and remember historical events that happened many centuries ago. What is the Ashura holiday associated with, what is its meaning? Let's figure it out.
Muslim holiday of Ashura
The Islamic calendar is different from the Gregorian calendar we are used to. It is lunar, that is, the day is counted by the movement of our satellite. Ashura falls on the tenth day of the Muslim holy month of Muharram. In 2016 - October 11. They begin to celebrate it at sunset of the previous day. Shiites and Sunnis view this day differently, although both branches of Islam consider it a holiday.
The name of the holiday comes from the number ten - “ashara” in Arabic. On this day, according to Islam, the heavens and earth, angels and the first man were created. Adam is the forefather of all mankind. According to legend, he repented of his sins, and the Almighty also blessed him on the day of Ashura. In addition, the date is associated with many other historical events, which are usually remembered during various celebrations. Muslims are confident that on this day the Last Judgment will one day come, when Allah will evaluate the activities of all people living on the planet. Believers try to fulfill the commandments of the prophet.
Ashura holiday: the day of remembrance of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, Imam Hussein
In addition to the creation of the world, the date described is associated with more real historical events. In 680, the Battle of Karbala (present-day Iraq) took place. According to legend, the grandson of the Prophet, his brother Abbas, and 70 other companions took part in it. They were tortured in a way “that was not done to the worst of people.” According to sources, the soldiers were not given water, they were burned with fire, chopped with swords, their heads were nailed to crosses, and horses were run over their bodies. The heroes steadfastly withstood all the tests, preferring death to the shame of betrayal. They have proven their unwavering faith. Muslims are sure to remember the plight of these people by organizing special events. Shiites observe strict fasting in memory of the martyrdom of the Prophet's grandson on the day of Ashura. They consider it mournful. This rule is mandatory for all Shia believers. Sunnis have a different attitude towards the memory of Imam Hussein. They observe fasting and mourning as desired.
How the events take place
In cities and villages, people organize the Ashura holiday in advance. On this day, it is customary to organize theatrical performances in which scenes of the Battle of Karbala are played out. There is nothing joyful in such an event. On the contrary, believers look at the production, experiencing the suffering of the characters as if they were their own. It is considered normal to cry during a performance, in this way expressing sadness, emphasizing the mourning of the day.
Everyone is welcome to participate in the production. It is organized by the community, that is, everyone can become an actor during the celebration. There are no people among Shiites who wonder what kind of holiday the “Day of Ashura” is. Everyone has been familiar with the tradition of holding events and the special beliefs of this date since childhood (more on them below). The history of Ashura is taught in educational institutions religious orientation. Believers are instilled with respect for the heroism of the Prophet's grandson and his companions.
Presentation details
On central square villages, as a rule, a temporary stage is built. People gather in this place. An indispensable attribute of the event are empty jugs or water bottles. They symbolize the thirst that plagued fallen heroes. People come to the platform in mourning clothes or with pieces of black fabric. This is how mourning is expressed. A model of the oven is being built nearby, into which, according to legend, the head of Imam Hussein was stuck. The improvised stage is decorated with knives, daggers and other bladed weapons used in those distant times for torture. Various chains and shackles are hung interspersed. All the decorations are designed to make people figuratively imagine historical events and empathize with them.
Procession of mourners
The events don't end with the presentation. People, inspired by the scenes of historical events they watched, hold a procession through the streets settlement. They carry black mourning flags. Shouts are heard everywhere: “Shah Hussein, wah, Hussein!” Many carry chains and bladed weapons with which they hit themselves in the chest. This is also a kind of expression of grief. The procession stretches for many kilometers. People walk in mourning clothes, united by common grief.
Women cry out loud, showing grief. Everyone who lives in the village tries to take part in the procession. To refuse is to commit a sin or shameful act. Only bedridden patients may not leave home on this day. They mourn in their beds, trying to also fast.
By the way, there are several interesting customs associated specifically with sick people. In general, the events last almost a day. And everyone considers it an honor to contribute to their organization and conduct.
Traditions of Ashura Day
As already mentioned, women cry out loud during the performance and procession. They carry with them a small vessel - a teardrop. It collects moisture from the eyes. Muslims are confident that she has healing properties. If you collect tears in this, you can get rid of all diseases. Prophet Muhammad blesses all who mourn with him. This is what makes tears a miracle cure. They smear them on the affected areas, drink them, and the like. Ashura celebrations begin with special service. Muslims gather in mosques for common prayer.
Young people and children are then invited to ceremonial readings - a kind of religious lessons. People are told about the suffering of Imam Hussein and his comrades. Such public readings are not only organized by clergy. And ordinary believers can, on their own initiative, gather neighbors for a literary and historical event.
Holiday treats
Particularly pious citizens do not stop at prayer and solemn procession. They know from childhood that on the day of Ashura in Islam it is customary to do good deeds. People host charity dinners. Anyone can come to them. This event is different from a regular dinner party. The organizers will consider it an honor to treat anyone who honors them with their presence.
People are seated at tables, where they slowly eat what is offered by the owners. And at this time, books of theological content are read, discussions are held about the deeds and exploits of the Prophet Muhammad, and the exploits of Imam Hussein and his ascetics are always mentioned. Such a charity dinner is a deed pleasing to Allah. The organizers are happy when they manage to host many random guests. People of other faiths are also not driven away. They are seated at tables and the essence of the tradition is explained. Islam is a peace-loving religion. And on holidays this is felt in a very special way.
Visiting the sick
Another type of charity also occupies a special place in Islam. People believe that visiting a bedridden patient on this day is the same as visiting all the children of Allah. Indeed, those who cannot take part in events with the community are doubly deprived, since they still suffer from illness. On the day of Ashura, people always try to sit at the bedside of sick relatives or friends. They bring them treats, try to distract them from the hardships of their illness, and entertain them.
If a sick person asks for a drink, then people believe that Allah has blessed the one to whom the request is made. And in general, giving someone water is a special joy. This is a sign of good luck and joy for Christians. Of course, when the request for water turned out to be accidental, not a setup. Believers believe that by freeing a person from thirst on this day, they gain forgiveness of all sins.
The tradition of ablution
Another belief is associated with water. Like Christians on Epiphany, there is a tradition among Muslims to perform a full ablution on the day of Ashura. If you take a swim, you will be protected from diseases and misfortunes. It’s very similar to diving in a frosty hole. Only the day of Ashura falls on more warm time and swim in open source not necessary.
On the festive night, believers do not sleep. It is carried out in prayers (ibadat). This is a tradition of worship. Anyone who can endure the whole night and fast in the morning will be freed from the agony of death. Believers try to accustom children to this tradition. The family spends the entire night in vigil. The elders tell the kids the essence of the ritual and read historical narratives. This is one of the ways of transmitting religious traditions through the family. In the morning, no one rushes to the table for breakfast; you need to fast. This is the time for ablutions. Afterwards they go to the mosque, then you can visit the sick or go to a charity dinner. All day long, believers try to be friendly with others.
Tradition of generosity
Another belief is related to gifts. It is believed that whoever is generous with people dependent on him on the day of Ashura will receive a blessing from Above. Allah will also grant him the fulfillment of his dreams. This belief results in the tradition of giving gifts to relatives. By the way, women often use the custom to ask their spouse for something unusual that he had previously refused. Of course, it is not in the traditions of Muslim wives to be impudent. But they get some concessions.
Men will consider it an honor to show generosity to those who will accept it with gratitude. They believe that then throughout the year Allah will help them in their affairs. A very good and pleasant tradition for everyone. The hired workers are also lucky. At enterprises and organizations, owners can give out a special bonus for the holiday. It is believed that Allah will reward you for this and give you entrepreneurial success for the whole year.
Public holiday in Iran
This country is Shiite. Therefore, the Ashura holiday in Iran is celebrated publicly. People gather in mosques. The head of state addresses the people with funeral speech. Everyone mourns and remembers the heroes who opposed the numerous army of “villains” small detachment. Television stations are reporting from mourning events. This event is used by the authorities to unite people and strengthen their spirit.
Iran has been under sanctions from almost the entire world for more than forty years. Life in this country is quite difficult. But the people did not complain, steadfastly enduring the tests. People are united by spirit general idea. They managed to prove to the outside world that are able to resist injustice. And religious tradition played a significant role in nurturing this national perseverance.
For Iranians, Ashura Day is a truly unifying holiday. They feel like they are not just descendants of heroes they have heard about since infancy. In fact, the people of Iran managed to repeat this feat, and their suffering lasted much longer. Maybe because of this feeling of belonging to straight people They celebrate the day of Ashura with a special sense of pride.
Ashura Day falls on the 10th day of the Muslim holy month of Muharram. The name “Ashura” itself comes from the Arabic word “ashara”, which means “ten”. In 2009, Ashura Day is celebrated on December 26 (10 Muharram 1431 AH).
According to legend, on this day the Prophet Muhammad uttered memorable words: “O people, hasten to do good on this day, for this is a great, blessed day. Allah blessed Adam on this day."
In the Muslim tradition, the day of Ashura is dedicated to the remembrance of many important events sacred history: the creation of heaven, earth and sea; the birth of Adam; the exit of the prophet Nuh (Noah) from the Ark; the decision of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (in the biblical tradition - Isaac); the end of the suffering of the prophet Ayub (Job); salvation of Musa (Moses). In addition, the 10th of Muharram is considered the day of the coming Last Judgment.
At first, all Muslims had the same attitude towards the month of Muharram, but in 61 AH (October 10, 680 AD) Gregorian calendar) in the Battle of Karbala (modern Iraq) Imam Hussein was killed - younger son Ali ibn Abi Talib and the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, his brother Abbas and their 70 companions. According to sources, they “were dealt with in a way that all nations did not deal with the worst of people: they were killed with thirst and the sword, burned, their heads were nailed to the cross, horses were run over their bodies.”
After these events, the content of the day of Ashura among Shiite Muslims acquired a different meaning. In memory of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and his companions on the 10th of Muharram, Shiites observe strict fasting and mourning, and also organize special theatrical performances reenacting episodes of the Battle of Karbala and the death of the imam. In squares and streets, platforms are built on which these performances are played out - mourning, wakes, lamentation, etc. The indispensable attributes of these performances are empty jugs and waterskins, symbolizing suffering from thirst, a luminous tenour (oven), where, according to legend, Hussein's head, shrouds and pieces of black mourning cloth, daggers, axes, stones, chains and arrows were hidden.
On days of mourning, processions of mourners carrying black banners take place throughout cities and villages; Some marchers beat themselves in the chest with their fists and strike themselves with chains and daggers. The processions are accompanied by loud crying and the exclamation: “Shah Hussein, wah, Hussein!” (hence the European name for this custom - “shahsey-vahsey”). As a sign of grief, women cry a lot: it is believed that tears shed these days are blessed and cure various diseases; they are even collected in special vessels - teardrops. In the courtyards of mosques or in specially designated places, meetings are held with the reading of stories about the suffering of Imam Hussein and his companions.
On this day, Muslims visit the mosque to participate in general prayer, and especially pious people give charity dinners, at which a lot is told about Imam Hussein and his family, about the Alid family and the Prophet Muhammad.
Ashura was first openly celebrated by Shia Muslims as mourning for Imam Hussein in 963 in Baghdad. The center of the mourning celebrations soon became the city of Karbala, where Imam Hussein received martyrdom and where, according to legend, his body was buried. On the day of the holiday, Shiite pilgrims from all over the world come there.
Sunni Muslims also honor the memory of Imam Hussein, but mourning and fasting on the day of Ashura are not obligatory for them.
According to Muslim tradition, if someone visits a sick person on the day of Ashura, it will be equivalent to visiting all the children of Adam. The person who gives something to drink to someone suffering from thirst on this day will receive a reward for this, as if he had never disobeyed Allah. Whoever takes a complete bath on the day of Ashura will be protected from suffering and many diseases. Whoever spends the night preceding the day of Ashura in worship (ibadat), and fasts in the morning, will be saved from the horror of the death throes. Whoever is generous with people who are financially dependent on him, the Almighty will show His generosity to such a person for a whole year.
The material was prepared based on information from open sources