1. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims
  2. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

21 Questions

Is it permissible to fast the entire day on Ashura?
Amina Inloes

It is permissible but it is strongly disapproved of (makruh) by the Imams. However, it is recommended to eat or drink simply towards the end of the day such that one is not considered fasting, rather than indulging. 

It is good to keep in mind that the custom of fasting on Ashura relates to celebrations by the Umayyads over their victory and also false narrations claiming that the day of Ashura was significant for other reasons (apart from the martyrdom of Imam Husayn) which were attempts to deflect attention away from Imam Husayn. 
Is it obligatory for Shia Muslims to cry during Ashura?
Amina Inloes

It is not obligatory but it is recommended. It is considered to be an appropriate form of expression on Ashura, and a means of attracting divine blessings and linking the followers of the Ahl al-Bayt to the Ahl al-Bayt.

Here are some hadith that may be helpful: https://www.al-islam.org/forty-hadith-on-azadari/ahadith-traditions
Why do Sunni's fast on the day of Ashura and the Shi’a don’t? Didn’t the Prophet (pbuh) fast on that day because Allah (swt) drowned the Pharaoh?
Amina Inloes

Sh'is do not accept the hadith saying to fast on Ashura as valid. They are considered fabrications which came about in/after the time of Yazid to promote Ashura as a day of celebration. (Indeed, in some areas, Ashura is still celebrated as a holiday.)

For more information, you can look at resources such as this: https://www.al-islam.org/understanding-karbala-allamah-sayyid-saeed-akhtar-rizvi/appendix-4-fasting-ashura
What is the significance of the first ten days of Muharram?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

The first ten days of Muharram are the days of the sufferings of Ahlul Bayt (AS) which started on the arrival in Karbala on the second day of Muharram and ended on the tenth day of Muharram which is called Aashura, when Imam Husain (AS) was martyred along with his family members and companions in Karbala in year 61 After Hijra. These ten days are been observed by Ahlul Bayt (AS) and their followers as days of mourning and grief. Imam Reza (AS) said that his father Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (AS) was always observing these ten days with grief and sadness.

Followers of Ahlul Bayt (AS) observe these ten days with Majaalis (religious gatherings and sermons) remembering the tragedies of Karbala and the aims and teachings of Imam Husain (AS). Millions of believers attend these gatherings all over the world, and thousands of lectures and sermons are delivered to enlighten people and purify their behavior and make them better human beings.  Millions of poor people are been fed during these ten days as a practice of generosity which is part of the teachings of Imam Husain (AS).

Wassalam.