Mourning in Muharram

The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: “Three things are the roots of faith: to refrain from (killing) a person who utters, “There is no god but Allah” and not to declare him unbeliever whatever sin he commits, and not to excommunicate him from Islam for his any action…” (Abudawud: Book #14, Hadith #2526)

Some Muslims brothers/sisters observe Muharram as the time of martyrdom of hazrat Hussein (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) in the Battle of Karbala. They therefore consider this a time of sorrow and observe it by refraining from music, listening to sorrowful poetic recitations, wearing mourning attire, and refraining from all joyous events (e.g. weddings) that in anyway distracts them from the sorrowful remembrance of that day.

Some of them carry the observance to further extremes by beating themselves with chains in public, cutting themselves with knives and sharp objects and holding mournful public processions. Although they do it out of their love for hazrat Hussein (AS) but one must not forget this hadith:

The Prophet (pbuh) said, “He who slaps his cheeks, tears his clothes and follows the ways and traditions of the Days of Ignorance is not one of us.” (Sahih Bukhari: Book #23, Hadith #382)

The above mentioned hadith is sufficient as evidence that mourning this way is unacceptable in Islam. So, we as Muslims must abstain from such actions. Now, if this tradition is not recognized in Islam then where has it come from?

Mourning—where it comes from

This tradition comes from Jewish mourning practices. When a close relative (parent, sibling, spouse or child) first hears of the death of a relative, it is traditional to express the initial grief by tearing one’s clothing. The tear is made over the heart if the deceased is a parent, or over the right side of the chest for other relatives. This tearing of the clothing is referred to as keriyah (tearing).

The next period of mourning is known as shiva (seven, because it lasts seven days). Shiva is observed by parents, children, spouses and siblings of the deceased, preferably all together in the deceased’s home. Shiva begins on the day of burial and continues until the morning of the seventh day after burial. Mourners sit on low stools or the floor instead of chairs, do not wear leather shoes, do not shave or cut their hair, do not wear cosmetics, do not work, and do not do things for comfort or pleasure, such as bathe, put on fresh clothing, or study Torah etc.

The next period of mourning is known as shloshim (thirty, because it lasts until the 30th day after burial). During that period, the mourners do not attend parties or celebrations, do not shave or cut their hair, and do not listen to music.

Is it okay to follow the tradition of celebrating Ashura?

The day of Ashura was considered as ‘Id day by the Jews. So the Prophet ordered, “I recommend you (Muslims) to fast on this day.” (Sahih Bukhari: Book #31, Hadith #223)

The above hadith proves that it’s Jews who celebrate this day as “Eid/Id”. We as the ummah of prophet Muhammed (pbuh) are not to follow the traditions of the Jews.

Ashura & fasting in the light of Ahadith.

The people used to fast on ‘Ashura (the tenth day of the month of Muharram) before the fasting of Ramadan was made obligatory. And on that day the Ka’ba used to be covered with a cover. When Allah made the fasting of the month of Ramadan compulsory, Allah’s Apostle said, “Whoever wishes to fast (on the day of ‘Ashura’) may do so; and whoever wishes to leave it can do so.” (Sahih Bukhari: Book #26, Hadith #662)

The Prophet came to Medina and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He asked them about that. They replied, “This is a good day, the day on which Allah rescued Bani Israel from their enemy. So, Moses fasted this day.” The Prophet said, “We have more claim over Moses than you.” So, the Prophet fasted on that day and ordered (the Muslims) to fast (on that day). (Sahih Bukhari: Book #31, Hadith #222)

When the Prophet arrived at Medina, the Jews were observing the fast on ‘Ashura’ (10th of Muharram) and they said, “This is the day when Moses became victorious over Pharaoh,” On that, the Prophet said to his companions, “You (Muslims) have more right to celebrate Moses’ victory than they have, so observe the fast on this day.” (Sahih Bukhari: Book #60, Hadith #202)

NOTE: Readers are requested not to draw this conclusion from the article that music is permissible in Islam. Music is haraam.