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Fasting the Day of Ashura If it Meets Saturday
Author : An Article by His Grace Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalayleh
Date Added : 10-10-2016

 

 

The day of Ashura is the 10th of the month of Muharram and fasting on it is likable as told by the Prophet (PBUH) who said: "Fasting the day of Ashura is an expiation for the preceding year." [An-nissai` in Al-Sunn Al-Kobra].

In order for a person to receive the full reward from Almighty Allah, it is better that he/she fasts the 9th, 10th, and the 11th of Muharam, as stated by a number of scholars such as Ash-shafii` and others. If that was not possible, then he can fast Ashura with the day that comes before, or after it; however, if he fasted only on the day of Ashura, then it is permissible. Al-Imam An-nawawi (May Allah have mercy on him) stated: "The day of Ashura is the 10th of Muharam, and it is likable for a person to fast the 9th of Muharam as well." [Rawdat At-Talibeen].

Al-khateeb Ash-Shirbini said: "It is likable for a Muslim to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram to be on the safe side." [Mughni Al-Mohtajj].

 

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Summarized Fatawaa

What are the categories of the livestock permissible for Udhiyah?

In the Name of Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon our Master, the Messenger of Allah.
 
An Udhiyah (sacrificial offering) is only valid if it is selected from Al-An'am (livestock), which includes: camels, cattle, and sheep or goats—whether male or female, and even if castrated. Allah Almighty says {what means}: "And for all religion We have appointed a rite [of sacrifice] that they may mention the name of Allah over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] livestock." (Al-Hajj/ 34)
 
In terms of preference, camels are considered the best choice, followed by cattle, then sheep, and finally goats.
A single sheep or goat is valid as a sacrifice on behalf of one person. However, a single camel or cow can be shared by up to seven people. This is based on the narration of Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: "In the year of Al-Hudaybiyah, we sacrificed along with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) a camel on behalf of seven people, and a cow on behalf of seven people." (Narrated by Muslim)
 
(Note: The term "Badanah" used in the original Arabic text specifically refers to a camel in this context). And Allah the Almighty Knows Best.

Does using a wet miswak while fasting break the fast?

A fasting person should ensure that the miswak is dry when using it.
However, if the miswak is slightly moist but does not release any liquid when squeezed, then its use does not break the fast.

What is the ruling on attending relatives` parties held in public halls, or hotels since if we don`t, we will be subjected to their admonition?

If such parties involve mixing between men and women, or forbidden acts such as listening to songs with sinful lyrics, then attending them is forbidden from the view point of Sharia since people`s admonition is nothing compared to Allah`s, The Almighty`s, wrath.

What is the wisdom behind the legislation of fasting?

Fasting is a divine school from which the believer learns much and trains in virtues that may be needed in life. Among these virtues is patience, as it is the month of patience. Fasting also teaches honesty and consciousness of Allah in both private and public, for there is no observer over the fasting person in abstaining from lawful pleasures except Allah alone.
Fasting strengthens willpower, sharpens determination, and nurtures mercy and compassion among the servants of Allah. It is a struggle against the self, a restraint of desires, a purification of the soul, and a cultivation of goodness.
The Prophetﷺ said: "Allah, the Almighty, said: ‘Every deed of the son of Adam is for him, except for fasting; it is for Me, and I shall reward for it. Fasting is a shield. So when one of you is fasting on a day, let him not engage in obscene speech or raise his voice in anger. If someone insults him or fights him, let him say: I am a fasting person. By Him in whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, the breath of the fasting person is more pleasant to Allah than the fragrance of musk.’" [Bukhari and Muslim]