The Fiqh of Fast of Muharram

It is recommended to observe a lot of fasting in the month of Muharram based on the hadeeth of Aboo Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) who reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “The best fast after Ramadaan is in the month of Allaah[1] Muharram and the best prayer next after the prescribed prayers is prayer at night.”[2]

It is highly recommended to fast on the 10^th of Muharram (Aashoora’). Aboo Qataadah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Fasting the day of Aashoora’ (is of great merits). I hope that Allaah will accept it as expiation for the sins committed in the previous year.”[3] When Ibn Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) was asked about fasting on the day of Aashoora. He said: ‘I do not know Allaah’s Messenger singling out any day’s fast and considering it more excellent than another, except this day (the day of Aashoora), and this month, meaning the month of Ramadaan.”[4]

It is also recommended to fast on the 9^th of Muharram based on the hadeeth of Ibn Abbaas who said: “The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) fasted on the day of Aashoora and instructed people to observe it. Then they said: “It is a day that the Jews and Christians venerate. Thereupon the Messenger of Allaah said: “When the following year comes, Allaah willing, we shall fast on the ninth.” He (Ibn Abbaas) said: “However, the death of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) came before the following year.”[5]

Imaam Maalik, ash-Shaafi’ee and Ahmad were of the view that it is recommended to fast both 9^th and 10^th of Muharram in order to avoid resembling the Jews in singling out the 10^th of Muharram for worship.

Note: Some scholars have stated that it is recommended to fast the 11^th of Muharram along with the 9^th and 10^th using as proof what was reported from Ibn Abbaas that the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Fast the day of Aashoora and be different from the Jews; fast a day before it and a day after it.” However this hadeeth is very weak.  So, it does not contain proof recommending fasting of the 11^th of Muharram. So take note.

Source: Saheeh Fiqh as-Sunnah, Vol. 2, p. 135 by Aboo Maalik Kamaal bin Sayyid Saalim. Translated by Abdus-Samee Abdus-Salaam.

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[1] The phrase ‘the month of Allaah’ is indicative of the veneration this month deserves, as it is attributed to Allaah (in a genitive or idaafah phrase).

[2] Recorded by Muslim, an-Nasaa’ee in al-Kubra and Ibn Maajah

[3] Recorded by Muslim

[4] Recorded by Muslim

[5] Recorded by Muslim

Dedicating the Rewards of Qur’anic Recitation to the Dead

Allaah stated:“And that man can have nothing but what he does (good or bad).”[1]

Commenting on this aayah, Ibn Katheer said:

“Imaam ash-Shaafi’ee (may Allaah have mercy on him) and those who are of the same view with him concluded from this aayah that reciting Qur’aan does not benefit the dead, because it is not from their action and earning. For this reason, the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) did not recommend it to his Ummah, encourage them to do it, or guide them to it with a text or a hint. Nor was such a thing reported from any of the Companions (may Allaah be pleased with them). Had this been any good, they would have preceded us in doing it. Matters of worship must be limited to the texts, and are not liable to modifications based on analogies and opinions.”[2]

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[1] Soorah an-Najm: 39

[2] Tafseer Ibn Katheer, vol. 4, p. 376

Are Men Allowed to Mourn in Islaam?

During the Prophet’s life, his wife Khadijah, his son Ibrahim, his three daughters (Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum and Zaynab), his uncle Hamzah, his cousin Ja’far, and many of his companions died or were killed. Yet we had no reports of him performing hidaad (mourning) for any of them. Similarly, when he (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) passed away, his companions did not perform hidaad for him.

Therefore mourning, except for women[1], is a sinful innovation that should be avoided. It becomes worse if it is associated with other sins or acts of the disbelievers, such as playing sad music, lowering the flags, declaring silence for a few minutes, wearing black ties or coats, and so on.

Source: Funerals: Regulations and Exhortations, p. 47 by Shaykh Muhammad al-Jibaly (may Allaah preserve him)

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[1] A woman is required to mourn for four months and ten days over the death of her husband, and it is not permissible for her to mourn more than three days over the death of a beloved one, such as her father, mother, brother, son and so on.