Mr. Dahmane has made a very derogatory comment and I would like to tell him that first Kibla of Muslim was same as Kibla of Jews towards Jerusalam. There are many thing in Islam is similar to Jews tradition as Quran has proclaimed that both Jews and Christians received divine instructions in Taurah and Ingil. Both books were corrupted in Bible. Some people just think that Hussein was brutally murdered and that is why we should be lament his death. But Hussein was no ordinary mortal. We Muslim should see that Allah's Will works in mysterious way which we can not understand and now we can see that Hussein's ultimate sacrifice did not go unheard by the Almighty. Hussein was was victorious in death. He saved Islam from Yazid. Islam was revived and even after Yazid no body ever dared to bring innovation in his grand father's message. Therefore I believe that our prophet had this premonition was guided by Almighty to recommend Muslim two days of fasting. One for sacrifice and victory of his beloved grandson Hussein against tyranny of Yazid and one for struggle and victory of Musa against the Paroha.

It can never be that the Prophet ordained the Muslims to fast because of the event related to Moses getting the Jews to cross the red sea and the drowning of Pharao.
Jews don't fast and never did on Nissan (1st month of the Jewish year) to celebrate this historical even which they call (Pesach or Passover).
Also in this very lie, the Prophet didn't have a clue that the Jews fasted on the 10th day while He had all the knowledge of previous books and Prophets.
Another point, why should we Musllims celebrate something that is solely related to the Jews?in this case let's also celebrate XMas as well or Easter as a matter of fact. Especially when the Quran tells us that we'll find the Christians nearer to us than the Jews.
And the last point which I think ridicules Islam and its followers is the fact that Allah and His Prophet both didn't think of asking us to fast for this Jewish occasion until our Prophet by accident happened to be in Medina and after asking the Jews why they are fasting that he decided to fast and asked us to do the same.
These are certainly not the mighty God and the Prophet I believe in and I seek refuge in dupind stories like these made for sheeple no end.

Alhamdu Lillahi the Ashura was commemorated almost the same time on Thursday 14th November the day many Muslims observe the usual nafl fasting which the Prophet used to observe Mondays and Thursdays.We observed it for two days Wednesday and Thursday. Yet some people even started their fasting from Monday through Thursday. Allah accept.

how could prophet mohammad say such thing whilst he knew that its the day his grandson will be martyred???? ....how could he feel the celebration??

May this year be a Year of Success for us, Everlasting Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge and Righteousness. Ameen.

As-salamu alaikum,

I just have a question. Did Prophet Muhammad say that we should use
this day to remember his gran son?

Assalaamalaikum,We all as muslims should remember this day as fight
for democracy and sacrifice.

Assalam Alikom,
I would like to be pointed out to the source of the hadith mentioned in your article which I could not find in the books of authenticated books. The hadith is: "whoever is generous on his family on the day of Ashura, then Allah is generous towards him for the whole year."
jazak Allah khayra,

it worth to celebrate this great day by fasting.A day Allah has survived the holy prohet Musa from the hands of pharo and his chiefs.may Allah reward us abundantly.Amin

in this may Almighty ALLAH forgive our bad deed and accept our good deed ameen.

Muslims must be united not divided. We should ONLY fallow the path of our beloved prophet Mohammed (sw) and No one else. Therefore, we must have ONE islam not Two. People who preach none islamic values are not muslims. No more and no less. If we are ONE Umma, we, muslims will leave a prospereous life in earth and in the here after.

As-salaamu 'Alaykum,
There is NO PROOF that the companions inflicted wounds upon themselves, or gave blood on this day, waAllahu alam. So why would you even print such misleading information when our beloved prophet sallallahu 'alayi wasallam, and his companions were the BEST examples?? Isn't this purely a bidah from the Sh'ite?

Dear Islamicity,

While, given the significance of the day, and the media coverage of Ashura, I think it is very valuable to post an article about it, I was very disappointed when I ready this very short article. The primary historical event of importance to the Muslim world is the martyrdom of the grandson of the Prophet (S), and so it is important to look at why he was martyred. Instead there are two paragraphs on 'self-flagellation'.

Additionally, since Ashura often becomes an issue associated with the Shi'a, it would have been better to note that there are disagreements about the authenticity of these hadith, and that the Shi'a who commemorate Ashura do not commemorate it because of these hadith. And, in fact, they do not accept these hadith as reliable and say there is no other historical sginifiance to Ashura except the martyrdom of Imam Husain. Mentioning this - even if one does not agree with it - would be expected in a balanced article.

Best of wishes wtih your work

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtd20xnxWNQ
Please listen the speech on fasting on Ashura.

As per the article, the Prophet went to Madinah and he found that the Jews were fasting. So, he asked Muslims to fast on the 10th of Muharram.

Also, it is mentioned if one wants to perform the fast, then one should fast two days in a row, such as the 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th.

So it seems that Muslims want to be different than Jews.

What a contradiction. We started fasting on the 10th of Muharram because of the Jews, and now we want to be different than Jews.

O Muslims, think on this issue.
Maa salama

Zeinab USA comment 47712. Your comments are full of hatred and cursing and this is shocking! Is this what Muslims do, let alone a Muslim woman?? I think not unless you are ignorant! Allaah (SWT) has full knowledge of what happened to Sayyadina Hussein and who did what! And Allaah (SWT) is the supreme Judge on this matter as nothing happens (past, present or in the future) in this world and it has already been decreed by Allaah (SWT). IT IS KNOWN AS QADR! SISTER!
ALLAAH (SWT) SAYS, THE PEN HAS BEEN LIFTED AND THE INK IS DRY.
Then who are you Oh sister Zeinab from the USA to be cursing like this?? Were you there to witness what happened to Sayyadina Hussein and who did what?? No! so let Allaah (SWT) be the Judge and not you or your misguided leader/community.
I leave you with the excellent advice given by the Second Caliph Umar bin Al-Khattab (may Allaah be pleased with him), one of the 'ASHARAH MUBASHARAH', to the Muslims of Madinah and the Muslim Ummah at large until the day of judgment:

JUDGE YOURSELF BEFORE YOU ARE JUDGED(by Allaah (SWT)).

Note: 'ASHARAH MUBASHARAH' represents the ten companions of the Holy Prophet (SAW) who were promised, nay guaranteed, Paradise by Allaah (SWT) after their deaths, whilst still alive on this earth.

Zeinab USA comment 47712. You seem not to know about the 10th of Muharram (Ashura). So let me educate you sister! Our beloved Prophet (SAW) saw the Jews of Madinah fasting on the 10th and 11th of Muharram. He (SAW) asked the Jews why they fasted on these days? The Jews said in honour of Musa's (AS) victory over Pharaoh. The Prophet (SAW) said the Muslims have more right to Musa (AS) as they follow him more than the Jews could every do. Therefore, he (SAW) said the Muslims should fast on the 10th of Muharram. And to be different from the Jews, he (SAW) said that if he (SAW) were alive this time next year he (SAW) would also fast on the 9th of Muharram. Since then the blessed Companions of the Prophet (SAW) used to fast on the day of Ashura until fasting in the month of Ramadan was made obligatory. Fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharam became optional, and Rasulallaah (SAW) said, whosoever fasts the day of Ashura will have his minor sins of the past year forgiven by Allaah (SWT).
Fasting on the day of Ashura is the Sunnah of the Prophet(S.A.W). Rasulallaah (SAW) instigated this fasting well before the martyrdom of his grandson Sayyadina Hussein, which came later after the death of Rasulallaah (SAW).
Rasulallaah (SAW) was more closer to his grandson Hussein than anybody and used to kiss his neck often when Hussein was a child. The Prophet (SAW) knew that Allaah (SWT) in His infinite wisdom had decreed the martyrdom of Hussein. The fact that Sayyadina Hussein was martyred on the day of Ashura has no bearing on the importance of that day for Muslims.
The most important thing for us to remember is to follow the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet(SAW) as demonstrated and practiced by him (SAW), by the rightly guided caliphs Abu Bakr, Umar bin Al-Khattab, Uthmam bin Affan and Ali bin Abi Talib, and our pious predecessors-the al-Salaf al-Salih. Doing so means to fast on the 9th and 10th(day of Ashur). Fasting brings us closer to Allaah(SWT) and purifies us of our sins.

You did good by showing proof (daleel) about this point:

According to Sahih Bukhari, Volume 6, Book 60, Number 202 - Narrated Ibn Abbas:
When the Prophet arrived at Medina, the Jews were observing the fast on 'Ashura' (10th of Muharram) and they said, "This is the day when Moses became victorious over Pharaoh," On that, the Prophet said to his companions, "You (Muslims) have more right to celebrate Moses' victory than they have, so observe the fast on this day.

... but you made this "Religious" statement with no proof whatsoever...and if you don't have real proof then you cannot make a "false" claim- not in Religion- and I think you know that !
________________________________________________
It is also recommended to be generous on this day towards family members and parents because prophet Muhammad stated that whoever is generous on his family on the day of Ashura, then Allah is generous towards him for the whole year.
_________________________________________________

Brother Yazid, I can't agree more. This is the Deen Al-Islam which wholy belongs to Allah. Yes, we love the all the companions of the Holy Prophet S.A.W. including his family but we should maintain the ballance and pay heed to the warning of the Prophet which was "Do not exagerate concerning me like the Christians exagerated about Issa A.S. We should stick to the Qur'an and the authentic Sunnah and use them as guiding principles to study and interpret the Islamic History both its triumphs and tragedies. We don't need to become personality cults. Everyone who truly and with full spirit follows the two sources will be able to become a very true Muslim who can play a very instrumental role to bring back the entire Ummah to where it is supposed to be. Everybody! please read the Quran, learn about it and consider it to be individually addressed to you and find out for yourself what are the responses to it. Allah Know best.

The commemoration of Ashura is meant to revive the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet(S.A.W).The most important thing in it is the fasing which the Rasulullah fasted on that day.He said if he were to live till next year he would also fast on the ninth.Coincidently the Jews were fasting at the time of the Prophet and he asked them why they fasted and answered in honour of Musa and Bani Israel who were savedand delivered from Pharaoh. The Prophet then answered that he was more closer to Musa than them therefore he suggested that he would also fast.In order differentiate from them he said if he were to live up next year he would also fast the 9th of the Muharammam.Since that time the Sahabas used to fast on the Ashura day until the Ramadan was instituted then it became optional fast.At the same time Rasululah was more closer to Hussein his Grandson than anybody.Allah in his infinite wisdom decreed that Hussein was to be martyred on that very day.The purpose is to remember the Ashura as Sunnah of Rasulullah also Sayyadina Hussein was martyred that day.Different people celebrate or commemorate it with different reasons or maqsad but the most important puropse for us to remember is to fast on that very day and may be to fast before or after to follow the actual real Sunnah of Rasulullah.Fasting brings us closer to Allah than harming or inflicting unnecessary self-styled injury on ourselves which may not necessarily bring us closer to the Creator.
The non-Muslims who are searching for guidance if they see us hitting our bodies with harmful iron may go away further from Islam rather than coming closer to the Deen.The most important thing for all of us to remember wether Sunni or Shia Ashura is a blessed day so we should commemorate it with fasting like our beloved Prophet who was the best guide for the Ummah.
Allah knows best but He would be pleased with us if we individually and collectively follow the beloved Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) in words and action.Wallahu A'alam.

>>Some men seek to emulate the suffering of Imam >>Hussein, lamenting the martyrdom by self->>flagellation.

Imam Hussein was killed by other muslims? We are not clear who was on the right path ? isn't it pesumptious to delare one as a martyr?

Asalamualaikum!
The Hadith about the fasting on the day of Ashura has another aspect which Prophet Muhammad said,He adds to this Hadith that to fast on two days either one day before or one day after along with the day of Ashura as to differentiate it from the fast of Jews.And Moreover this day also remembers us when Propet Ibrahim(A.S) got ready to sacrifice his son Prophet Isma'il(A.S)when Allah ordains him.These were the seeds grown in this month afterwards which blossomed under the glorious shadow of Imam Husayn(A.S)on the day of 10th Muharram.

When the Prophet arrived at Medina, the Jews were observing the fast on 'Ashura' (10th of Muharram) and they said, "This is the day when Moses became victorious over Pharaoh," On that, the Prophet said to his companions, "You (Muslims) have more right to celebrate Moses' victory than they have, so observe the fast on this day.

Let the above words speak out the nature of the Ishmaelite prophet and his religion to the whole world. The true Muslims will never accept any message from persons who have not submitted to the Will of Sovereign God.

As salaamu alaykum!
In response to Yazid; I kind of agree with what you are saying. I understand the
self-flagellation. As a Catholic during my
childhood I remember doing something called "mea culpa's"...We would say mea culpa; and with each utterance we would beat our chest ever-so-gently over the heart.
It's another ritualistic-acting-out that secures
one's faith in their god. The suffering part is another thing. Ones' own suffering can and does inspire prayer to release them from the pain or torment they are feeling. We should remember this day as a tragic event in Islamic history, as well as all the others.
Does the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's (saw)grandson Imam Hussein and his family, out-weigh
the freed Israelites from bondage?
This self-flagellation may not be an Islamic act, but, I think, that it is an act of faith, and any
act of faith is seen by Allah.
Peace and Blessings,
Idris

i want to know if the stand of shiites on ashura day is correct? is the day a day of moruning imam hussain?

assalamalaikum. As far as Islam goes, we have to stick to what our prophet Muhammad (saws) did. What people have added to religion after him, be it within sunni Islam, shia Islam, or for that matter any other sect, is innovation and innovation leads to hell. Islam is simple and lets keep it simple. We should fear Allah in having our own opinions in Islam. ' It is not fitting for a believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and his messenger, to have any opinion about their decision.' Surah Ahzab: ayat 36. No scholar has the right to tell people to do what he thinks should be done on the day of Aashura. We should do only what the Prophet (saws) asked us to do.

Unfortunately no body wants see Muslims fighting among themselves on trivial issues except of course the enemies of Islam who are out to ensure Muslims fighting and killing each other.They encourage the moderates to fight the fanatics is a kind of divide to rule.At least the Ashura has united the Ummah every one likes Hussein the Grand son of the Prophet wether Shia or Sunnah.The only thing we differ is the way to commemorate his martydom which I don't want go into details.It is high time we buried our differences and got united, we must stop all rivalries hatred especially of the companions of Rasulullah.They might have their differences but they used to love one another unlike us who hated one another. This is why our enemies took advantage of our weaknesses and doing whatever they liked.If the Ummah is united no body will have the courage to do anything against us as they say unity is strength.If we have differences
among ourselves as commanded by Allah we must turn to Allah and His Prophet for guidance.May Allah guide the Ummah on the right path keeping them united.

Assalamualaikum wrbt.

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam, I am a Sunni but at the same time I cannot help but be understanding and appreciative of the historical events that had occurred in the pages of the early rise of Islam. I always look upon my Syiah brethern as fellow Muslims.

Ali ( r.a or Karamullah waj ha ) is one of the Caliph who was closest to our beloved Prophet ( s.a.w ). But the machivellian way in which Muawiyah had assumed the post of the Caliph is not worthy of any emulations. Ali was asked to relinquish his post but Muawiyah refused even when he was supposed to do so. I revered Ali because he was the first man ( Khadijah ( r.a. ) was the first to accept ) to accept the message of the truth from our beloved Prophet ( s.a.w. ). Ali had never worship any idols even in his tender age as a young boy. And in his acceptance of the truth, Ali had never gave an inch or ground and he was resilient during the early years of the enduring times. That's why I revered Ali but that does not make me a Syiah. The rest is history.

And the killing of Hassan and Hussein ( r.a. ) is deplorable. Yazid epitomises a greed of a man, a brand of selfish politics and self interest. Self serving in all aspects. Even as a Sunni, I observed the As Shura in a way which Islam recommends but not inflicting anything to myself.

And I caution all my brothers and sisters in Islam, of the efforts made by our common enemy to divide us, and to cause hatred among ourselves, be it Sunni and Syiah. The enemy is not the American people or the decent ordinary westerners but the " powers that be " that has agendas and intentions to annex and annihilate our Muslim countries, to loot the wealth and destroy and destroy our faith.

Wassalam,

I find these types of articles very troubling. Statements such as the below can cause confusion and focus attention away from the true spirit of Islam.

"Along with this we also remember this day as one of the most tragic events in Islamic history ... "

"A growing number of scholars discourage this self-infliction and instead encourage people to donate blood on this day."

The most tragic event in Islamic history is debatable ... for the author to take the liberty of labeling this day "most tragic" is in keeping with the trememdous injustice that has grown around Islam where every body that's ever read a book or two is an "expert"

If I had a vote I'd say the most tragic day in Islamic History is the day when the scholars that oversee the religion climbed into bed with the corrupt leaders that rule their lands ... they followed the Sultan NOT the Quran! (there is a hadith in there somewhere )

Also, self-infliction and giving blood on this or any other day is BIDA .. it's NOTHING Islamic and purely a man-made tradition created by the ignorant to continue in the backward ways of their pagan ancestors.

What this UMMAH is missing is this simple fact:
No Imam, No Sultan, No Group, No political body, No HUMAN BEING is to be given reverence, attention or praise ... it's ALL about ALLAH and HIM alone.

Stop confusing the messenger and his bloodline with the message .. if you must do so them PLEASE do it under a different banner and leave the religion of ALLAH alone as it's suffered enough lies, injustice and evil actions for the time being.

Thanks a lot, this article included some additional information that completed the term meaning of this day, also it has encouraged me personally as a follower of God and his prophet (pbuhaf) to go home and be very generous pleasing that may God deliver to me the generousity that he's always shown. And you're to share this goodness, thanks a lot and please keep posting such articles in the future, that are simple and beautiful.

It is so sad that muslims cannot understand the importance of the 10th of Moharram. It is the ultimate sacrifice of Imam Hussein that has saved the Prophets (PBUH) deen. Imam Hussein not only laid down his life but the like of his children, his brothers his friends to save the religon. Imam Hussein did not bend in front of Yazeed and stood for his relgion. The relgion of his GRANDFATHER! I think if we as Muslims can comprehend this sacrifice we can come together and fight the YAZEED of the time.
We need to focus on the importance and not worry about the minor differnces, then only will we be united. We have made so many small groups which are destroying the unity of this relgion. No wonder muslims are suffering every where. We will continue to suffer until we come together.
Yazeed claimed to be a muslim look what he did. What happened to Imam Hussein and his family was not done by the Jews or Christians it was done by people that claimed to be Muslims.
Shedding the blood of the Prophet's Grandson what an Islamic thing to do. When Imam Hussein asked the soldiers in the Yazeedi army why are they doing this, they answered " We are getting revenge from what was done to our familes in Badar and Uhad". The Evil factions that lurk amongst us claiming to be Muslims but causing the most destruction is what we need to obolish.

I think Ashura has significance in terms of both Prophet Moses and Imam Hussein. Remembering moses does not in any way belittle Imam Hussein's martyrdom. At the same time, as a Sunni I would like to see more people from within the Sunni school to show respect for the traditions of our Shia brothers. Both sects have a right to disagree with each other but none has a right to get on its high horse and act like it is ultimate authority on religious rituals. In times of increasing sectarian violence, lets try to instill in ourselves an attitude of genuine respect for the religious freedom of those outside our particular sect.

Assalamualaikum wrbt.

I express concurrence with Brother Babandi A Gumel and thank you for a detailed shared knowledge on As Shura.

Fasting is indeed one of the best way, to observe As Shura, followed by charitable acts or saying the salawat to our beloved Prophet Muhammad ( s.a.w. ), the other Messengers as well, the family of the Prophet and the companions ( sahaba ). These are encouraged acts and Insya ALLAH, ALLAH the All Mighty will reward us.

they made a big mistake to kill imam hussain and we still regrate that but kind of same story hapends every day all over the world .better we help each other and stop the killing inocente people.and only hapend if the right people make right moves.

assalaam alaykum wa rahmatullah,

I want to thank everyone for their comments. I think it's great that people are opening up their minds and thinking for themselves in regards to the issue of right and wrong.

People often ask, why should we remember the tragedy of Karbala? What significance does it have in our lives today? Before we answer the previous questions, let's first understand Imam Hussein's status. Consider the following hadith narrated by the blessed Prophet: "Hussein is from me and I am from Hussein." -Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal.

Remember that the blessed Prophet also stated that both Hasan and Hussein, his grandchildren are the masters of the youth of paradise.

So by this, we know that his status is very high in the sight of our blessed Prophet.

Consider what happened when the Pope made his remarks against the Prophet, saying he only brought evil and corruption to the world. What did the Muslim ummah do? They protested. Why? Because our Prophet was insulted.

In the same manner, when the Prophet's very own grandson as well as his family were killed in such a horrific manner and treated like animals, isn't THAT the ultimate insult?

When the very head that the Prophet would kiss was severed in the plains of Karbala by the very people he taught, isn't that an insult?

Yet in the same manner, according to some traditions, Ashura is also a time for remembering when Allah (swt) saved Moses from Pharaoh. This was a test for Moses... would he respond to Allah's call by sacrificing his family and followers to leave the land of Pharoah into the land of the unknown? Or wait and allow Pharaoh to corrupt his people? Remember that Moses sacrificed greatly to make his decision. If anything, Ashura is the day of sacrifice. To put one's full belief in Allah no matter what the cost...

And this is what Islam is...

May Allah guide us all on His path and allow us to create unity by understanding ourselves, each other, and our

I Begin in the Name of Allah the Most Beneficient and Merciful.

Salaam Alaykum,
I am very pleased to see that so many people are respecting the Tragedy of Imam Hussain (a.s) It is extremely important to understand why the Tragedy of Karbala happened. The Grandson of the Holy Prophet of Islam (P.B.U.H) stood up against injustice and tyranny to save the religion of Islam.
For those who say that my commemorating the martrydom of Imam Hussain (a.s) will cause "seceterian" differences I beg to differ. I think the lessons taught by Imam Hussain (a.s) in Karbala are important for ALL humanity to understand. There is so much to gain!
Another aspect that I do not agree with is this concept of commemorating the murder of the Grandson of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) as being "Bid'ah." Is grieving for a loved one bid'ah? Hussain was a loved by our Prophet and is loved by us, and since we feel pain of this loss and cry and grieve for this loss does that really make it Bid'ah?

It is important for us all to educate ourselves. May Allah s.w.t guide us all and show us the truth.

JazakAllah....

thanks for your remembering ashura.

I am a Muslim convert. However, some of the comments that I see on this website cuase me to be concerned about the collective intellegence of the Muslim umma. The dogma that I hear is of great concern for new Muslims and there families, who have not converted. Please be aware that you lack of understanding of the spirit of Islam, hurts the spread of the faith.

What you are doing in Irag against one another is Barbaric to say the least.

Before Ramadan was instituted and made compulsory
the muslims used to fast in the Month of Muharram
especially on the tenth which was Ashara in Arabic known as Ashura.So they continued fasting on that day even the Jews were fasting to commemorate their deliverance from Fir,aun and Rasulullah said to the near meaning when he saw them fasting he was more closer to Musa than them (the Jews)as a a Prophet like Musa himself.Similarly Rasulullah was more closer to Iman Hussein as his Grandfather and the Prophet of Allah than any body.He was our model so he fasted on Ashura not inflicting punishement on himself.Towards the end of his life he said if he was to remain alive to see the following year he would also fast on the 9th of Muharammam that is in addition to the 10th.So Allahu A'alam to me this is the best way to remember Musa (A.S) and Imam Hussein (R.A) fasting on the 9th and 10th of Tashura and Ashura without inflicting punishment on yourself.Allah will not put burden on you which you can not carry.If one fasts on the Ashura Day he gets the reward of one year of Ibadah or his sins forgiven. What else do you want more than the forgiveness of one's sins therefore fasting is much better than inflicting punishement.Allah and His Prophet love it more than something invented not Sunnah. If one inflicts punishment on himself instead of fasting I don't know what he gets .It is quiet logical and much more in order to fast than unnecessarily inflicting punishment on your body.Wallahu A'alam.

As an American Muslim and student of Islamic culture, I am often baffled how little has changed from the time of Hussein and Yazid. Looking around, I can see many Yazid like characters ruling Islamic countries, and many Hossein like individuals getting killed every day. Although most of us think we would help Hossein if we were alive then, but how come we are not helping Hosseins of today!

As an American Muslim and student of Islamic culture, I am often baffled how little has changed from the time of Hussein and Yazid. Looking around, I can see many Yazid like characters ruling Islamic countries, and many Hossein like individuals getting killed every day. Although most of us think we would help Hossein if we were alive then, but how come we are not helping Hosseins of today!

What have you done to help Hosseins of Palastine getting killed daily by Yazids of Jerusalem?

Assalamualaikum wrbt.

My Dear Muslim Brothers and Sisters, please, let us put things in a proper perspective. I am a Sunni but I will also observe As-Shura', Insya ALLAH. This has nothing to do with any " bid'ah ". Or glorifying Ali ( r.a. / k.a.w ). Or glorifying Hassan and Hussein ( r.a ).

And Sister Nadia, I can understand why you demanded an answer on where is there an authority or calling that calls upon us to donate blood on this occassion. If not then you consider it as a self flaggellation. Please consider that donating blood per se is an act of goodness. Even if you do it at other times of the year. Because it save lives, that's why.

And the observance of the As Shura, while it is not compulsory, but out intentions must be that this is one of our acts of worships ( Ibadah ) to ALLAH SWT and by donating blood we are doing good deeds to other fellow humans. Is that not Islamic ?

Though, Muslims today have forgetten the precious teachings this day as it enshrine by the prophets teaching which encourage us to fast in the day to seek more blessings and mercies of Almighty Allah. It is good to see Muslims that will be remembering their brothers this great day and encouraging them to addict to its teaching(fasting and matryre).
I appreciate this good work as a good gesture that worth emulating from other muslims all over the world.

It is indeed sad that some of us Muslims are willing to commemorate Ashura as a Jewish holiday but deny or belittle the supreme sacrifice of Imam Husein. He stood against evil and gave his life and as did his family and true friends so Islam may live in its pure form- the Islam preached by his Grandfather the Prophet not the Infidels.
Please study the journey and circumstances of Imam Husein before making harsh conclusions. Only then will you realize its true significance.

Assalamu alaikum,

One of the problems that plague our umma today is spreading information about islamic practices with no basis in our deen. I agree 100% with the comments that as much as fasting on the 9th & 10th day of ashura is a confirmed sunna of our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. the grieving of Imam Husain is a bidaa and should not even be cited as a muslim practice. The author should have focused on the many reasons as to why our Prophet s.a.w. has made this sunna to perpetuate and how it does apply to nowadays lives.
On the other hand any demonstrative grieving for death or symbolization of it is a pre-islamic practice that has been banned by our Prophet sunna. So making it live or even mutated in a different practice is wrong and has no effect but divide our umma whom needs more unity and harmony than ever before.
May Allah s.w.t. put us all on the right path.

I would like to ask the author:
1. Who are those "growing number of scholars discourage this self-infliction and instead encourage people to donate blood on this day"?

2. I need to understand, should I fast or give blood? With any understanding of the basic rules and requirements of fasting a person can't give blood while fasting. So, should I follow The Prophet or the "growing number of scholars"?

3. Emulating the suffering of Imam Hussein by self-flagellation has no basis in Islamic teaching and, there for, is wrong. We don't offer "alternatives" for invention in deen and wrong behavior. Otherwise, we are following in the footsteps of the people of the book when they corrupted their religion.

The fact of the matter is Ashura has nothing to do with Imam Hussein [RAA]. There had been several of Gods'-days [Ayam-o-Allah] that happened on the 10th of Muharram but The Prophet [PBUH] hadn't included them in the reasoning of why Muslims should fast and mark that day. Only because of the miracle of splitting the see for prophet Musa and his followers that we are asked to mark the day. If there any other reasons, the prophet PBUH would had told us or at least hinted at it.

May Allah fix or hearts on his deen as he revealed it to The Prophet and save us from following the people of the book when they invented and corrupted their religion.

Shokran ans salam

Salam,
It is commonly stated that the prophet peace be upon him urged us to fast on the 9th and 10th implicitly stated in the Hadith cited above and in other hadiths in Sahih Bokhari and Muslim. As for the death of Imam Hussein, the incident was deplorable, but does by no means justify self-flagellation. The author is invited to make a note in this respect. I also would appreciate it if the author could tell us who says that we should donate blood in comemoration of Imam Hussein's death. Self-flagellation is haram, and there is no need for creating a substitute for that after all the comemoration of Imam Hussein's tragic death can only inkindle sectarian tensions in this day and age.
May this year usher in much-needed unity for the Muslim world amen!

Salamun Alaykum

(1) "Some men seek to emulate the suffering of Imam Hussein, lamenting the martyrdom by self-flagellation." This is untrue. The gentle tapping of the chest is a sign and practise of grief and sorrow - a grief which will never die, a grief which is in the hearts of every believer.


which was commonly practised in the time of the Imam Hussein (pbuh). Imam Hussein was

Let us think about this hadeeth in bukhari however. Is it conceivable that the Prophet (pbuh) would introduce something to Islam because of the practice of Jews?? Surely not. Fasting is not a ritual of this holy day.

I encourage everyone to visit all the following links for the sake of Allah, the glorified and exalted, and inshallah you will benefit greatly.

http://al-islam.org/al-serat/default.asp?url=Excellences-Ayoub.htm

http://al-islam.org/index.php?sid=451251711&cat=252&start=40&t=sub_pages

http://al-islam.org/history/history/br4.html

http://al-islam.org/al-serat/default.asp?url=husayncal.htm

http://al-islam.org/al-serat/default.asp?url=fastofashura.htm

http://al-islam.org/history/history/mourninghussain.html

thank tou for the reminder

I would like to add that, on the same day the Prohpet Ibrahim (??ی? ??????) was rescued from the fire, and Younus (??ی? ??????)was rescued from fish stamach as well. There are other important Islamic events took place on 10th of Muharam. The Muslim should always remember and follow the way which Imam Husain selected. He lost his life but did not curve against cruil, and he knows that he will be died, because the number of slodier and other equipement and facilities were uncamparable.
This is for the Muslim to learn a lesson and rais their voice against any unjustice in thier live at any time and under any circumstances