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Mu’awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan (ra) relates: I heard the Messenger of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) say: "It is the day of ‘Ashura. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) has not made fasting obligatory for you. But I am fasting. He who likes to observe fast among you should do so, and he who likes not to observe it (does not have to) observe it." [Sahih Muslim]
Abu Qatada (ra) relates that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) said that the fast on the 10th of Muharram atones for the sins of the preceding year. [Sahih Muslim]
Abu Huraira (ra) reports that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) said that after Ramadan, the fasts of Muharram have the greatest excellence. [Sahih Muslim]
Hakam ibn Al-Arat (ra) relates: I went to Ibn Abbas (ra)… I said to him: Tell me about fasting on ‘Ashura. He said, "When you seen the new moon of Muharram count the (days) and (begin to) observe fast on the 9th." I said to him: "Is it how the Holy Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) observed the fast?" He said, "Yes." [Sahih Muslim]
Hazrat Ibn Abbas (ra) relates that when the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) said: "If I survive till next year, I will definitely observe fast on the 9th of Muharram (as well)." [Sahih Muslim]
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Note: What the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) meant was that he would also fast on the 9th as well as the 10th to which he was accustomed. We also should try fasting on the 9th and the 10th of Muharram.
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Hazrat Ibn Abbas (ra) reports that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) arrived in Madinah and found the Jews observing fast on the day of ‘Ashura…
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They said: "It is the day of great (significance) when Allah delivered Hazrat Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) and his people and drowned Pharoah and his people, and Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) observed fast out of gratitude. And we also observe it."
The Holy Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) responded: "We have more right, and we have closer connection with Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) than you have"; so Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) observed fast (on the day of ‘Ashura) and gave us orders to observe it. [Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]
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On
This Day:
Allah
(Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) accepted the repentance of Sayyidina Adam
('Alaihis-Salaam) after his exile from Paradise;
Allah
(Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) saved Sayyidina Nuh ('Alaihis-Salaam) and his
companions in the ark;
Allah
extinguished the fire in which Sayyidina Ibrahim ('Alaihis-Salaam)
was thrown by Nimrod; And Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) spoke directly
to Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) and gave him the
Commandments.
On
this same 10th of Muharram, Sayyidina Ayyub ('Alaihis-Salaam) was
restored to health (from leprosy); Sayyidina Yusuf ('Alaihis-Salaam)
was reunited with his father Ya’qub ('Alaihis-Salaam); Sayyidina
Yunus ('Alaihis-Salaam) was taken out from the belly of the fish; and
the sea was divided as the nation of israel was delivered from
captivity and Pharoah’s army was destroyed. ‘Ashura is also the
day when Sayyidina Dawud ('Alaihis-Salaam) was forgiven; the kingdom
of Sulaiman ('Alaihis-Salaam) was restored; Sayyidina Isa
('Alaihis-Salaam) was raised to Jannah and Sayyidina al-Husayn
(Radiyallahu 'anh) (the Holy Prophet’s, Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa
Sallam, grandson) achieved the honor of Martyrdom.[1]
Whoever
fasts on this day is like one who fasts all his life.
Whoever
clothes a naked person Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) will release him
from a painful punishment. He who visits a sick person, Allah
(Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) will grant him a reward that will not be
decreased.
Whoever
places his hand on an orphan’s head, or feeds a hungry person or
gives water to a thirsty man, Allah will feed him a feast from
Paradise and will quench his thirst with Salsabil (a wine that does
not intoxicate). And who ever takes a Ghusl on this day will enjoy
excellent health and freedom from sickness and indolence.
Whoever
provides generously for his family on this day, Allah (Subhanahu wa
Ta'ala) will be generous to him throughout this year. And whoever
applies Kuhl to his eyes will never suffer from eye-sore again, in
Sha’Allah al-Aziz.[2]
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[1]
These are mentioned as what scholars have determined as the
specialties of that day in Ghunya li-Talibi Tariq al-Haqq, Sayyidina
Abdul Qadir al-Jilani.
[2]
These specialties are mentioned in Ghunya li-Talibi Tariq al-Haqq,
Sayyidina Abdul Qadir al-Jilani.
-
The
conventional meaning of Ashura in the Shariah refers to the 10th of
Muharram-ul-Haraam
In
his distinguished book, "Ghuniyatut Taalibeen", Sayyiduna
Ghaus-ul-Azam, Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani (radi Allahu anhu) writes
that the Ulema have a difference of opinion, as to why this day is
known as Ashura. Since the reason has been explained in various ways,
the consensus of the majority of the Ulema is that it is known as
Ashurah because it is the 10th day of Muharram, while certain Ulema
say that from the sacred days that Almighty Allah blessed the
Ummat-e-Muhammadi with, this day is the 10th most important day, and
it is for this reason that it is known as Ashurah. (Ghuniyatut
Taalibeen, Pg. 428)
Significant
Events concerning Ashurah
With
the exception of the Martyrdom of Sayyiduna Imam-e-Hussain (radi
Allahu anhu) there are also various other incidents which occurred on
Yaum-e-Ashurah.
It
is also for those reasons that this day has received such
excellence.
In
his internationally renowned Kitaab, "Nuzhatul Majaalis",
Sayyiduna Sheikh Abdur Rahman Safoori (radi Allahu anhu) explains the
following important events which took place on Yaum-e-Ashurah:
1.
It was on this day that the Skies earth and the Lauw-e-Qalam came
into existence.
2.
It was on this day that Sayyiduna Adam (alaihis salaam) and Sayyiduna
Hawa were created.
3.
Sayyiduna Adam's (alaihis salaam) Tauba was accepted.
4.
Sayyiduna Nooh's (alaihis salaam) Ark came on land.
5.
Sayyiduna Ibrahim (alaihis salaam) received the status of
Khaleelullah.
6.
Sayyiduna Yaqub (alaihis salaam) met Sayyiduna Yusuf (alaihis salaam)
after 40 years.
7.
Sayyiduna Idrees (alaihis salaam) was raised into the skies.
8.
Sayyiduna Ayub (alaihis salaam) regained his health.
9.
Sayyiduna Yunus (alaihis salaam) was released from the stomach of the
fish.
10.
Sayyiduna Dawud's (alaihis salaam) Tauba was accepted.
11.
Sayyiduna Sulaiman (alaihis salaam) received his Kingdom.
12.
Sayyiduna Esa (alaihis salaam) was raised into the skies.
13.
Sayyiduna Muhammad Mustapha (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) made Nikah
to Sayyiduna Bibi Khadija (radi Allahu anha).
14.
It is on this day that Qiyamat will occur. [Nuzhatul Majaalis]
TEN
MIRACULOUS EVENTS
THAT TOOK PLACE AT THE TIME OF
THE
MARTYRDOM OF SAYYIDUNA IMAM HUSAIN
(RADI ALLAHU ANHU)
According
to the Kitaab, "Thareek-ul-Khulafa", ten miraculous events
were recorded about the time of the Shahaadah of Sayyiduna Imam
Husain (radi Allahu anhu).
These events were also included
on pages 46 and 47 of the Kitaab, "Karamaat-e-Sahaba", by
Molvi Ashraf Ali of Thana Bhavan.
It is stated in
"Thareek-ul-Khulafa" by Imam Jalaluddin Suyuti (radi Allahu
anhu) that, "When Sayyiduna Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) was
martyred, for seven days the following conditions prevailed on earth:
1- When the sun rose each day, there was a constant shroud of redness
covering the earth as if the sun's rays came out in the form of a
lifeless blanket.
2-There was a continuous scene of stars
colliding with each other in the skies.
3- His martyrdom took
place on the 10th of Muharram 60 A.H. and on this day there was a
total eclipse of the sun.
4- From about six months prior to his
martyrdom, a strange redness enveloped the horizon of the skies,
which gradually disappeared, and such a phenomenon was never
witnessed again.
5- On the day of his martyrdom, beneath every
stone in Baitul Muqaddas, there appeared fresh blood.
6- Grass
and straw that was used in the oppressor's army (i.e. Yazid's army)
had all suddenly turned to burnt out ashes.
7- The oppressor's
army had slaughtered a female camel to feed the soldiers. From the
meat of this slaughtered animal, sparks of fire began to fly all the
time.
8- When the meat of the slaughtered camel was cooked, it
turned out to be bitter and poisonous.
9- One person who spoke
ill about Sayyiduna Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) was punished by
Almighty Allah in such a way that he was hit by two falling stars
from the sky which diminished his power of sight progressively.
10- Regarding the conditions of these days (of martyrdom), Sayyiduna Abu
Na'eem (radi Allahu anhu) states in his Kitaab, "Dala'il",
that Sayyiduna Umme Salma (radi Allahu anha) narrated that when
Sayyiduna Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) was martyred, the Jinns were
heard to wail and weep openly in expression of their grief."
[Thareek-ul-Khulafa] (also see: Karamaat-e-Sahaba)
That night, Sayyiduna Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) requested the 72 followers to leave his camp and seek refuge in a safe place.
But,
his dedicated followers refused to desert him. He then ordered that
the tents be tied together and a trench be dug and filled with wood
and set on fire when the battle begins. The Muslims spent the night
in prayer.
Battle of Karbala: It was the morning
of the 10th of Muharram 61 A.H. Sayyiduna Imam Husain (radi
Allahu anhu's) followers put on sweet scent, their best clothes and
took leave and blessings from the womenfolk. The women were told that
they were in the sole care of Almighty Allah and that they should
patiently bear all the hardships and trials in store for them. They
were not to mourn. The Muslims had gone without water or food for 3
days. They did not have a drop to drink. Nor did they partake in a
morsel of food.
Sayyiduna Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu),
sitting on his horse, addressed the army of Shimr appealing
for their sense of justice and recognize the pious family that he was
from. He said: "O People! Listen to me. Do not be rash. Let
me admonish you. Let me say a few words in my justification and let
me explain the reason of my arrival here. If my excuse is reasonable
and if you can accept it, do justice in my case. You would be lucky
if you desist from taking arms against me. After hearing me, and you
refuse to agree with me, I will be ready for you. Whatever the
outcome I repose confidence in Allah who supports righteous men."
Ibn
Saad's army was ready for war. Hur realised this. He
was undecided about which side to be. Finally he said: "By
Allah, I have selected Jannah irrespective of the consequences. I do
not care whether I am killed and my body is shred into pieces or I am
burnt alive." Saying this, he joined the side of Sayyiduna Imam
Husain (radi Allahu anhu). Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) forgave
Hur. He was eventually made Shaheed.
The battle began. The 17
year old, Sayyiduna Ali Akbar (radi Allahu anhu), whose looks
resembled that of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam), rushed towards the enemy. He fought bravely, beheading
hundreds until he was made Shaheed by Marra bin Manqaz who plunged a
spear through his back. Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) buried his
son.
Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) then heard the 6
months old Sayyiduna Ali Asghar (radi Allahu anhu) crying for
water. He took the child in his hands and appealed to the enemy to
allow the child to drink some water. Instead, Hurmila bin
Kaahil, took aim and shot an arrow that pierced the infants
throat. Sayyiduna Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) held up his son
towards the sky and said: "O Allah, this is the only one
Ali Asghar. If there were a hundred like him, I would sacrifice them
all, one by one, in Your Path. If this is Your Will, then Husain is
satisfied." He then buried Sayyiduna Ali Asghar (radi Allahu
anhu) next to his elder brother, Sayyiduna Ali Akbar (radi Allahu
anhu).
The small band of Muslims fought bravely and one by
one were made Shaheed. Sayyiduna Jafer bin Aqeel, Sayyiduna
Abdur Rahman bin Aqeel, Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Hasan, Sayyiduna
Imam Hasanul Mussana, Sayyiduna Qasim bin Hasan, Sayyiduna Amr bin
Hasan, Sayyiduna Abu Baqr bin Hasan, and others (radi Allahu
anhumul ajma'in) were made Shaheed.
Sayyiduna Imam Husain (radi
Allahu anhu) fought bravely and killed 410 enemy soldiers.
As he was about to drink water, an arrow struck his mouth. Then,
arrows rained down upon him. An arrow was shot in his forehead, the
place where Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) was kissed by Sayyiduna
Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Another arrow pierced his
neck. He was wounded from head to foot and lay on the ground. It was
time for Asar Salaah, so he said to his attackers: "Just
give me a few minutes to finish my Asar Salaah as I have not yet
missed a single Salaah in my life, and I do not want to appear before
Almighty Allah without finishing my Salaah. After that you may do as
you please."
While in Sajdah, Sinan bin Anas struck
off Sayyiduna Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu's) blessed head. He was
only 56 years old. His body had sustained 33 spear
wounds, 24 sword wounds and countless arrows. His blessed head
was then carried to Yazid in Damascus accompanied by the
women and children.
After Karbala: The news of the
Shahaadah of Sayyiduna Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) shocked the
Muslim world. Madinatul Munawwarah revolted against Yazid, but the
inhabitants and remaining Sahaba were massacred. For 3 days, the
Umayyad soldiers brought destruction to Madinatul Munawwarah and even
attacked the Holy Kaaba.
Lessons of Karbala: The Shahaadah of Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) at Karbala provided a moral victory of virtue over vice. It was a triumph of good over evil. It continues to serve as a beacon light for all strugglers of truth and righteousness. Sayyiduna Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) fought to establish the laws of Almighty Allah on earth and not to submit to the corrupt government of Yazid which brought about un-Islamic practises. Karbala teaches us to endure hardships and remain calm in the face of the most difficult trials.
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Yazid (May Allah give him what he deserves)
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Yazid and Ibn Ziyad La'anati
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THE HADITH OF THE CITY OF CAESAR
