Q & A on Muharram and Aashurah (10/11)

Another wrong practice related to this month is to hold the lamentation and mourning ceremonies in the memory of martyrdom of Sayyidna Husain (R.A.). The event of Karbala is one of the most tragic events of our history, but the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) has forbidden us from holding the mourning ceremonies on the death of any person. The people of Jahiliyyah (Ignorance) used to mourn over their deceased relatives or friends through loud lamentations, by tearing their clothes and by beating their cheeks and chests. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) stopped the Muslims from doing all this and directed them to observe patience by saying “Inna lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji oon”. A number of authentic ahâdîth are available on the subject. To quote only one of them: “He is not from our group who slaps his cheeks, tears his clothes and cries in the manner of the people of jahiliyyah.” All the authentic jurists are unanimous on the point that the mourning of this type is absolutely impermissible. Even Sayyidina Husain (R.A.) shortly before his demise, had advised his beloved sister Sayyidah Zainab(R.A.) not to mourn over his death in this manner. He said:”My dear sister, I swear upon you that you, in case I die, shall not tear your clothes, nor scratch your face, nor curse anyone for me or pray for your death”. It is evident from this advice of Sayyidina Husain(R.A.) that this type of mourning is condemned even by the blessed person for the memory of whom these mourning ceremonies are held. Every Muslim should avoid this practice and abide by the teachings of the Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) and his beloved grand child Sayyidina Husain (R.A.).