Fasting And Feeding On The Day Of Ashura In Light Of Hadith And Fiqh

There is a Hadith Shareef that encourages showing generosity and expanding provisions for one’s family on the day of Ashura (10th Muharram). Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas'ood RadiAllahu Anhu reports that the Holy

Translation: “Whoever increases spending on his children on the Day of Ashura, Allah Almighty will grant him abundance in sustenance throughout the entire year.” (Mishkaatul Masaabeeh, Volume 1, Page 628, Maktaba Islaamiyah, Lahore) Hazrat Sufyaan Thawri Alaihir Rahma remarked: “We tried this practice and found it to be true.” Page | 1

In the explanation of the above mentioned Hadith Shareef, Hazrat Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Na'eemi Alaihir Rahma writes: “If, on the 10th of Muharram, one prepares a variety of meals for their children, servants, and the poor, then by the grace of Allah Almighty, those meals and provisions will carry blessings throughout the year. The custom among Muslims of cooking ‘Khichra’ on Ashura is rooted in this very narration. Hazrat Sufyaan Alaihir Rahma stated that this Hadith was tested by him and his companions, and its truth was experienced. Therefore, the Hadith Shareef is considered reliable. It must also be noted that this narration in no way contradicts the practice of fasting on Ashura. In fact, one should both observe the fast and generously feed the children and the poor. Other recommended acts on this day of Ashura include taking a bath (Ghusl), applying kohl (surmah), and observing the fast.” (Mir'atul Manaajeeh Sharh Mishkaatul Masaabeeh, volume 3, page 126–127, Islamic Publisher, Matia Mahal, Delhi) It is mentioned in Fataawa Shaami:

Translation: “The Hadith Shareef regarding expanding sustenance for one’s family on the Day of Ashura is authentic.” He further mentions: “The narration states: Whoever expands spending on his children on the Day of Ashura, Allah Almighty will expand his sustenance for the entire year.” Hazrat Jaabir RadiAllahu Anhu said: “I practiced this for forty years and never found it to fail.” (Fataawa Shaami, volume 4, page 128, Zia Ul Quran Publications, Lahore) Page | 2

In summary, the Hadith Shareef encouraging generosity and increased spending on one’s family on the 10th of Muharram is authentic and supported by practice and scholarly experience. Numerous scholars of Hadith and Fiqh have verified its soundness and observed its blessings in their own lives. Therefore, it is considered Mustahab to cook and distribute food generously among one’s children, dependents, and the needy on this blessed day.