Muharram FAQ’s (2/7)

The incident of the martyrdom of Sayyiduna Husain Radhiyallahu Anhu is one of the most tragic events of Islamic history. We remember the sacrifice of Sayyiduna Husain Radhiyallahu Anhu and the honoured family members of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam who were with him on the plains of Karbala and we draw strength and lesson from their courage.

However, we do not engage in such acts that are contrary to the teachings of Rasulullah Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam.The people of Jaahiliyyah (ignorance) used to mourn over their deceased through loud lamentations, by tearing their clothes and by beating their cheeks and chests. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam forbade these practices saying: “He is not from us who slaps his cheeks, tears his clothes and cries in the manner of the people of Jahiliyyah.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Rather, Rasulullah Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam directed us to observe patience by saying “Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji’oon” (To Allah we belong and to Him we will return) at the time of calamities.

Shortly before his demise, Sayyiduna Husain Radhiyallahu Anhu, echoed the guidance of his beloved grandfather Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam and advised his sister Sayyidatuna Zainab Radhiyallahu Anha saying, “My dear sister, I swear upon you that if I die, you shall not tear your clothes, nor scratch your face, nor curse anyone, nor pray for your death”. (Al-Kamil, ibn Kathir vol. 4 pg. 24)

Sayyiduna Husain Radhiyallahu Anhu displayed, even under the most difficult conditions, perfect emulation of the conduct of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam. It is thus fitting at the advent of the month of Muharram that we strive to achieve the same.