Introduction Rich Dad and Poor Dad

Today I often wonder what will soon happen when we have millions of people who need financial and medical assistance. They will be dependent upon their families or the government for financial support. What will happen when Medicare and Social Security run out of money? How will a nation survive if teaching children about money continues to be left to parents—most of whom will be, or already are, poor? Because I had two influential fathers, I learned from both of them.

I had to think about each dad’s advice, and in doing so, I gained valuable insight into the power and effect of one’s thoughts on one’s life. For example, one dad had a habit of saying, “I can’t afford it.” The other dad forbade those words to be used. He insisted I ask, “How can I afford it?” One is a statement, and the other is a question. One lets you off the hook, and the other forces you to think. My soon to-be-rich dad would explain that by automatically saying the words “I can’t afford it,” your brain stops working. By asking the question “How can I afford it?” your brain is put to work.

He did not mean that you should buy everything you want. He was fanatical about exercising your mind, the most powerful computer in the world. He’d say, “My brain gets stronger every day because I exercise it. The stronger it gets, the more money I can make.” He believed that automatically saying “I can’t afford it” was a sign of mental laziness.

Although both dads worked hard, I noticed that one dad had a habit of putting his brain to sleep when it came to finances, and the other had a habit of exercising his brain. The long-term result was that one dad grew stronger financially, and the other grew weaker. It is not much different from a person who goes to the gym to exercise on a regular basis versus someone who sits on the couch watching television. Proper physical exercise increases your chances for health, and proper mental exercise increases your chances for wealth.

My two dads had opposing attitudes and that affected the way they thought. One dad thought that the rich should pay more in taxes to take care of those less fortunate. The other said, “Taxes punish those who produce and reward those who don’t produce.” One dad recommended, “Study hard so you can find a good company to work for.” The other recommended, “Study hard so you can find a good company to buy.” One dad said, “The reason I’m not rich is because I have you kids.” The other said, “The reason I must be rich is because I have you kids.”

One encouraged talking about money and business at the dinner table, while the other forbade the subject of money to be discussed over a meal. One said, “When it comes to money, play it safe. Don’t take risks.” The other said, “Learn to manage risk.” One believed, “Our home is our largest investment and our greatest asset.” The other believed, “My house is a liability, and if your house is your largest investment, you’re in trouble.”

Both dads paid their bills on time, yet one paid his bills first while the other paid his bills last. One dad believed in a company or the government taking care of you and your needs. He was always concerned about pay raises, retirement plans, medical benefits, sick leave, vacation days, and other perks. He was impressed with two of his uncles who joined the military and earned a retirement-and-entitlement package for life after twenty years of active service.

He loved the idea of medical benefits and PX privileges the military provided its retirees. He also loved the tenure system available through the university. The idea of job protection for life and job benefits seemed more important, at times, than the job. He would often say, “I’ve worked hard for the government, and I’m entitled to these benefits.”

The other believed in total financial self-reliance. He spoke out against the entitlement mentality and how it created weak and financially needy people. He was emphatic about being financially competent.

Introduction Rich Dad and Poor Dad

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 Having two dads offered me the choice of 

contrasting points of view: one of a rich man

and one of a poor man.

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I had two fathers, a rich one and a poor one. One was highly educated and intelligent. He had a Ph.D. and completed four years of undergraduate work in less than two years. He then went on to Stanford University, the University of Chicago, and Northwestern University to do his advanced studies, all on full financial scholarships. The other father never finished the eighth grade.

Both men were successful in their careers, working hard all their lives. Both earned substantial incomes. Yet one always struggled financially. The other would become one of the richest men in Hawaii. One died leaving tens of millions of dollars to his family, charities, and his church. The other left bills to be paid.

Both men were strong, charismatic, and influential. Both men offered me advice, but they did not advise the same things. Both men believed strongly in education but did not recommend the same course of study.

If I had had only one dad, I would have had to accept or reject his advice. Having two dads offered me the choice of contrasting points of view: one of a rich man and one of a poor man. Instead of simply accepting or rejecting one or the other, I found myself thinking more, comparing, and then choosing for myself. The problem was that the rich man was not rich yet, and the poor man was not yet poor. Both were just starting out on their careers, and both were struggling with money and families. But they had very different points of view about money.

For example, one dad would say, “The love of money is the root of all evil.” The other said, “The lack of money is the root of all evil.” As a young boy, having two strong fathers both influencing me was difficult. I wanted to be a good son and listen, but the two fathers did not say the same things. The contrast in their points of view, particularly about money, was so extreme that I grew curious and intrigued. I began to start thinking for long periods of time about what each was saying.

Much of my private time was spent reflecting, asking myself questions such as, “Why does he say that?” and then asking the same question of the other dad’s statement. It would have been much easier to simply say, “Yeah, he’s right. I agree with that.” Or to simply reject the point of view by saying, “The old man doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” Instead, having two dads whom I loved forced me to think and ultimately choose a way of thinking for myself. 

As a process, choosing for myself turned out to be much more valuable in the long run than simply accepting or rejecting a single point of view. One of the reasons the rich get richer, the poor get poorer, and the middle class struggles in debt is that the subject of money is taught at home, not in school. 

Most of us learn about money from our parents. So, what can poor parents tell their child about money? They simply say, “Stay in school and study hard.” The child may graduate with excellent grades, but with a poor person’s financial programming and mindset.

Sadly, money is not taught in schools. Schools focus on scholastic and professional skills, but not on financial skills. This explains how smart bankers, doctors, and accountants who earned excellent grades may struggle financially all of their lives. Our staggering national debt is due in large part to highly educated politicians and government officials making financial decisions with little or no training in the subject of money.

The Day of Ashura and the account of Karbala

O devotees of the blessed companions and the Ahl-ul-Bayt! The month of Muharram-ul-Haraam reminds us every year of the martyrs of Karbala and especially the maternal grandson of the Noble Messenger, the leader of the martyrs, the lofty Imam, Sayyiduna Imam Husayn رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ, because on the 10th Muharram 61 AH, a great battle in the history of Islam took place between truth and falsehood, which is referred to as the account of Karbala. The determined way of the martyrs of Karbala رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُم gave a great lesson to the people of truth to remain firm in front of evil and to sacrifice one's life for the sake of Islam when needed. If Sayyiduna Imam Husayn رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ pledged allegiance to Yazeed, then that entire army would have been at his feet, he would have been respected, treasures would have been given to him, and the wealth of the world would have been placed in his feet. But the one whose heart is free from [the desire of] the world; rather, at whose service the world itself is, what would he want to do with the beauty of this world? Sayyiduna Imam Husayn رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ totally renounced the luxuries of this world and wholeheartedly welcomed the difficulties he faced in the path of truth. Despite facing such an amount of calamities, he did not allow even the thought of pledging allegiance to an open wrongdoer like the wretched Yazeed to come into his blessed heart. He agreed to sacrifice his house and spill his own blood, but he did not allow the dignity of Islam to be tarnished. By Allah! The people of Karbala offering their lives in the battlefield of Karbala for the sake of Islam is a great lesson for the Muslims until the end of time.

Qatl-e-Husayn Asl mayn Marg-e-Yazeed hay

Islam zindah hota hay har Karbala kay ba’d

Whilst embedding the love and affection of the Blessed Ahl-ul-Bayt in our hearts, may we also enlighten our lives in this world and the Hereafter by acting upon their blessed seerah, and may we attain the pleasure of Allah Almighty.

Ghar lutana jaan dayna koyi tujh say seekh jaye

Jaan-e-‘Alam ho fida ay khandan-e-Ahl-e-Bayt

Dolat-e-Didar paayi pak janayn baych kar

Karbala mayn khoob hi chamki Dukan-e-Ahl-e-Bayt

(Zauq-e-Na’t, p. 100)

Aainah-e-Qiyamat

The brother of A’la Hazrat, Maulana Hasan Raza Khan has written a book named ‘
Ainah-e-Qiyamat’ regarding the account of Karbala. A’la Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan states regarding this book, ‘There are authentic narrations in the book of Maulana Shah ‘Abdul-‘Aziz which is in Arabic or the book of my late brother Hasan ‘Aainah-e-Qiyamat’, one should listen to these; as for the rest, it is a lot better to not read or listen to anything rather than listening to incorrect narrations.’ (Malfuzaat A’la Hazrat, p. 293)

What should food and drink (Niyaz) be offered for?

Mufti Muhammad Amjad ‘Ali A’zami رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه states, ‘In the first ten days of the month of Muharram, especially on the 10th, Isal-e-Sawaab [the sending of reward] takes place for Sayyiduna Imam Husayn رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْه and the other martyrs of Karbala. Some [people] read Fatihah over sweet drinks, some over rice pudding, some over sweets, and some over bread and meat. It is permissible to make Fatihah on whatever you wish. Whichever manner is used to convey Sawaab [reward] to them, it is a good act. It is famous amongst some ignorant people that the Fatihah of anyone else except the martyrs of Karbala shall not be made in Muharram; this viewpoint of theirs is incorrect. The way Fatihah can be made for everyone in other days, similarly, it can be made in these days too.’(Bahar-e-Shari'at, Part 3, vol. 16, p. 644)

A’la Hazrat رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه states, ‘Giving the Niyaz of sweets, etc. for the noble martyrs is a means of reward and blessings, and the 10th of the blessed month of Muharram is more appropriate for this.’ (Fatawa Razawiyyah, vol. 9, p. 598)

The practice of Shah ‘Abdul-‘Aziz رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه

There would be two gatherings in the home of Shah ‘Abdul-‘Aziz Muhaddis Dihlavi رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه in the year. (1) Mawlid gathering. (2) A gathering of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْه.

Mentioning this second gathering, he states, “This gathering takes place on the day of ‘Ashura or a day before it. Four to five hundred people, in fact even a thousand people gather (in it) and recite Salat upon the Prophet. After that, when this lowly person arrives, then people sit down. The excellences of Sayyiduna Imam Hasan and Husayn رَضِیَ اللهُ عَنْهُمَا which have come in the blessed Hadees are mentioned. Then, a Khatm of the Quran is done and, having recited the five verses, Fatihah is done on whatever food is present.” (Fatawa ‘Azizi, vol. 1, p. 124)

The love of Ameer-e-Ahl-e-Sunnah for the Ahl-e-Bayt

Dear Islamic brothers! Ameer-e-Ahl-e-Sunnah ‘Allamah Maulana Muhammad Ilyas ‘Attar Qadiri Razavi دَامَتْ بَرَكَاتُهُمُ الْعَالِيَهْ is a great devotee of the blessed companions and the Ahl-ul-Bayt; in fact, he دَامَتْ بَرَكَاتُهُمُ الْعَالِيَهْ has made hundreds and thousands of people devotees of the companions and the Ahl-ul-Bayt. A physical portrayal of this is his books and sayings.

Please study these booklets of Ameer-e-Ahl-us-Sunnah comprising of the devotion and seerah of the pure Ahl-ul-Bayt: Marvels of Sayyiduna Imam Husayn رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْه, Bloodshed in Karbala, Husayni Groom, Miraculous Wonders of Sayyiduna ‘Ali رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْه, Thirty Parables of Imam Hasan.

Alongside distributing food and drink on the day of ‘Ashura, sacrifice time and also travel in Madani Qafilah on the 8th, 9th, and 10th or 9th, 10th, and 11th of Muharram-ul-Haraam with the intention of sending reward [Sawaab] to the martyrs and captives of Karbala. One will attain great blessings of this, اِنْ شَاءَ الـلّٰه.

Har Sahabi-e-Nabi

Jannati jannati

Sab sahabiyaat bhi

Jannati jannati

Perform Ghusl [ritual bath] on the night of Ashura

When the night of ‘Ashura (i.e. the10th of Muharram) arrives, then perform Ghusl as the water of Zamzam is mixed in all waters on this night, and by performing Ghusl on this night, one remains protected from illnesses for the entire year.

The deeds of the Day of Ashura

Sayyiduna Imam ‘Abd-ur-Rahman Bin ‘Ali Jawzi رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰهِ عَلَيْه states, “The 10th of Muharram is an extremely sacred day; hence, it is appropriate that one performs as many good deeds as possible. Regard this time of goodness as a blessing and refrain from heedlessness.” (Al Tabasrah li Ibn-e-Jawzi, vol. 2, p. 8) Hence, perform the following righteous actions:

• Keep the fast of the day of ‘Ashura and also join with it the fast of the 9th or 11th of Muharram-ul-Haraam. (Musnad Imam Ahmad, vol. 1, p. 518, Hadees 2154)

• It is stated by Sayyiduna ‘Ali-ul-Murtada رَضِىَ الـلّٰهُ عَنْهُ, ‘Whosoever recites Surat-ul-Ikhlaas 1000 times on the day of ‘Ashura, then Allah Almighty will look at him (with mercy), and the one whom Allah Almighty looks at (mercifully), He will never punish him.’ (Al-Noor fi Fazaail-il-Ayaam wal-Shuhoor, p. 124)

• The repentance of Sayyiduna Aadam عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام was accepted on the day of ‘Ashura; hence, repent and seek forgiveness on this day and make Du’a in the Majestic Court of the Lord Almighty to remain firm on repentance. (Lawami’-ul-Anwaar, p. 259)

• 
  Especially apply Ismid Kohl on the day of ‘Ashura; with the blessing of this, the eyes will not hurt. It is a saying of the Noble Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, “The one who applies Ismid Kohl in the eyes on the day of ‘Ashura, his eyes will never hurt.” (Shu’ab-ul-Iman, vol. 3, p. 367, Hadees 3797)

• Visit graves.
  

• Shed tears out of the fear of Allah (if possible). (Muraqqa’ Kaleemi, p. 190, summarized)

Forgiveness of all past and future sins

Once, after offering Jumu’ah Salah on the 10th of Muharram-ul-Haraam, the Noble Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم sat near a pillar in Masjid Nabawi. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddeeq رَضِىَ الـلّٰهُ عَنْهُ was also sat by him. The Mu’azzin of the Noble Messenger, Sayyiduna Bilal رَضِىَ الـلّٰهُ عَنْهُ began to call out the Azaan, and when he said ‘أَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَّسُوْلُ الله’, then Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddeeq رَضِىَ الـلّٰهُ عَنْهُ placed the nails of both thumbs on both of his eyes and said, ‘قُرَّةُ عَيْنِيْ بِكَ يَا رَسُوْلَ الله’! When Sayyiduna Bilal رَضِىَ الـلّٰهُ عَنْهُ finished giving the Azaan, the Noble Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم stated,

‘O Abu Bakr! The one who does what you did, Allah Almighty will forgive all of his past and future sins.’ (Tafseer Ruh-ul-Bayan, vol. 7, p. 229, summarized) Acting upon this practice of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddeeq رَضِىَ الـلّٰهُ عَنْهُ, not only on the day of ‘Ashura, but whenever you hear the blessed name of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, make it a habit to kiss your thumbs.

A great formula for blessing in sustenance

It is stated by the Noble Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, ‘The one who spends prosperously on his children on the10th of Muharram, Allah Almighty will grant him prosperity all year round. Sayyiduna Sufyan رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰهُ عَلَيْه states, ‘We practiced this Hadees and found it to be exactly as it states.’

Hakeem-ul-Ummah, Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan Na’eemi رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰهُ عَلَيْه states with regards to this blessed Hadees, ‘If you prepare various kinds of food on the tenth of Muharram for
your children, servants, workers, the poor and needy, then اِنْ شَآءَ اللّٰه there will be blessings in those foods for the whole year. Muslims cook Haleem (Khichra) on the day of ‘Aashura. The origin of this is this Hadees because in Haleem (Khichra), there is every kind of food; wheat, meat, lentils, rice, etc. So اِنْ شَآءَ اللّٰه, there will be blessings in all of these foods in the home of the one who cooks Haleem.’ He further states, ‘Remember, you should keep a fast yourself on the day of ‘Ashura, and feed children and the poor well; hence, this Hadees does not contradict the fast of ‘Ashura.’ (Mirat-ul-Manajih, vol. 3, p. 115)

Animals also respect the Day of Ashura

Dear Islamic brothers! ‘Ashura is such a blessed day that let alone human beings, even birds and animals, to the extent that wild animals, also respect it; and regarding this day, they also keep a fast.

Read some first-hand accounts, experiences and statements of the pious predecessors رحمهم الله:

• 1. The great Tabi‘i predecessor, Sayyiduna Qays Bin ‘Ubaad عليه رحمة الله states, ‘The following fact has reached me that wild animals keep the fast of the 10th of Muharram.’

  (Lataif-ul-Ma‘arif, p. 57)

• 2. Sayyiduna Fath Bin Shakhram عليه رحمة الله states, ‘I used to break up and place roti [bread] for ants daily; when the day of 10th Muharram would come, they would not eat it.’

         (Lataif-ul-Ma‘arif, p. 57; Majmu‘ Fii Rasaili lil-Hafiz Nasir-id-             Deen, p. 74)

• 3. Sayyiduna Abul Hasan ‘Ali Bin ‘Umar Qazweeni عليه رحمة الله states, ‘Even ants keep a fast on the 10th of Muharram.’

(Majmu‘ Fii Rasaili lil-Hafiz Nasir-id-Deen, p. 74)

• 4. The ‘Abbasid Khalifah, Al-Qaadir Billah, also faced this matter, so he became very bewildered. He asked Sayyiduna Abul-Hasan Qazweeni عليه رحمة الله about this, so he said, ‘Ants keep a fast on 10th of Muharram.’

(Lataif-ul-Ma‘arif, p. 57)

• 5. Sayyiduna ‘Allamah Ibn-e-Naasir-ud-Deen Dimashqi عليه رحمة الله (passed away in 842 AH) writes, ‘A person came to a village on 10th of Muharram. People were slaughtering animals at that time. He asked the reason, so the people of the village said, “Today, wild animals are fasting. Come with us, we will show you.”’

They took him to a garden and made him stand there. He narrates that ‘After ‘Asr, wild animals began to come from every direction and they surrounded the garden. Their heads were raised towards the sky. None of them ate anything (from the meat). As soon as the sun set, those wild animals pounced upon the meat and quickly ate everything.’(Majmu‘ Fii Rasaili lil-Hafiz Nasir-id-Deen, p. 74)

The Du’a [supplication] for the first night of the [new] moon

If possible, recite this Du’a on the first night of the [new] moon every month, because when the Noble Prophet ﷺ would see the moon, he would recite this Du’a:

اللّٰهُمَّ أَهِلَّهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْيُمْنِ وَالْإِيْمَانِ وَالسَّلَامَةِ وَالْإِسْلَامِ، رَبِّي وَرَبُّكَ اللّٰهُ

Translation: O Allah Almighty! Make this moon rise upon us with blessing, faith, peace and Islam. My Lord and your Lord is Allah.(Tirmizi, vol. 5, p. 281, Hadees 3462)

The Du’a for a new year and a new month

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Bin Hishaam رضي الله عنه states: On the arrival of a new year or a new month, the blessed companions رضوان الله عليهم اجمعين would teach each other this Du’a [supplication]:

اللّٰهُمَّ أَدْخِلْهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْأَمْنِ وَالْإِيْمَانِ وَالسَّلَامَةِ وَالْإِسْلَامِ، وَرِضْوَانٍ مِنَ الرَّحْمٰنِ، وَجِوَارِِ مِّنَ الشَّيْطَانِ

Translation: O Allah Almighty! Make it enter upon us with peace and faith, wellbeing and Islam, with the contentment of Rahman and safety from Satan.(Al-Mu‘jam-ul-Awsat, vol. 4, p. 360, Hadees 6241)

Protection from all difficulties and calamities

Sayyiduna Shah Kaleemullah Shah Jahanabadi رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰهِ عَلَيْه states, “The one who recites this Du’a

سُبْحٰنَ اللّٰهِ مِلْءَ الْمِيْزَانِ وَمُنْتَهَى الْعِلْمِ وَمَبْلَغَ الرِّضٰا وَزِنَةَ الْعَرْشِ لَا مَلْجَاَ وَلَا مَنْجَا مِنَ اللّٰهِ اِلَّا اِلَيْهِ، سُبْحٰنَ اللّٰهِ عَدَدَ الشَّفْعِ وَالْوَتْرِ وَعَدَدَ كَلِمَاتِ اللّٰهِ التَّآمَّاتِ كُلِّهَا اَسْاَلُهُ السَّلَامَةَ بِرَحْمَتِهٖ وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ اِلَّا بِاللّٰهِ الْعَلِيِّالْعَظِيْمِ وَهُوَ حَسْبِيْ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيْلُ نِعْمَ الْمَوْلٰى وَنِعْمَ النَّصِيْرُ وَصَلَّى اللّٰهُ تَعَالٰى عَلٰى خَيْرِ خَلْقِهٖ مُحَمَّدٍ وَّاٰلِهٖ وَاَصْحَابِهٖ اَجْمَعِيْنَ

Translation: Glory be to Allah equal to the filling of the scale, the limit of knowledge, the extent of contentment, and the weight of the ‘Arsh [The Throne]. The place of refuge and station of salvation is only from Allah. Glory be to Him equal to every odd and even, and all the Complete Words of Allah Almighty. I ask Allah Almighty for safety and mercy; and the strength of avoiding sins and ability of performing good deeds is only from Allah; and Allah is enough, and He is an excellent Disposer [of matters], and He is a great Protector, and He is a great Helper. May the Mercy of Allah Almighty be upon the best of creation, Muhammad صَلَّى الـلّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, and upon his family, and upon all the blessed companions رَضِىَ الـلّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ.

twelve times, blows over water and then drinks it, he will remain in the protection of Allah Almighty from all difficulties and calamities.’ (Muraqqa’ Kaleemi, p. 187)

Noble Messenger and the Day of Ashura

A day of ‘Eid

This day was the day of ‘Eid for the Bani Isra’eel. It is narrated that Sayyiduna Musa عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام would wear kattaan [fine linen] clothing and apply Ismid Kohl on the day of ‘Ashura.

(Lataif-ul-Ma’arif, p. 57)

The era of the Noble Messenger and the day of ‘Ashura

In the [pre-Islamic] era of ignorance, the Quraysh would fast on the day of ‘Ashura. The Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم would also fast on this day (Bukhari, vol. 1, p. 656, Hadees 2002) and the cover of the sacred Ka’bah would be changed on this very day.

(Bukhari, vol. 1, p. 536, Hadees 1592) 

A large number of Jews inhabited Khayber and Madinah Munawwarah. Since they belonged to the Bani Isra’eel, and the Bani Isra’eel attained salvation on the day of ‘Ashura from Fir’awn, hence, they would commemorate this day as an ‘Eid and would fast on this day.

(Lataif-ul-Ma'arif, pp. 57-58 summarised)

When the Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم arrived in Madinah Munawwarah, he saw that the Jews also kept a fast on the day of ‘Ashura. He صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم asked, ‘Why do you fast on this day?’ The Jews humbly replied, ‘This is the day of greatness. This is that day on which Allah Almighty granted salvation to the Bani Isra’eel and Sayyiduna Musa (from their enemy, Fir’awn). So, Sayyiduna Musa عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام kept a fast on this day out of gratitude and we also keep a fast on this day.’ The Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم stated, ‘We are more deserving of Sayyiduna Musa عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام than you.’ Hence, he صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم kept a fast on that day and commanded people to keep a fast.’

(Muslim, p. 441, Hadees 2658, summarised)

The fast of ‘Ashura was Fard

Dear Islamic brothers! Initially, the fast of ‘Ashura was Fard for Muslims, then the fasts of Ramadan abrogated its obligation. 

(Mirat-ul-Manajih, vol. 3, p. 180)

Although the fast of ‘Ashura is no longer Fard, yet there is great reward for the one who keeps the fast of that day.

Two saying of the Noble Prophet ﷺ:

• 
  ‘I anticipate from Allah Almighty that the fast of ‘Ashura will wipe away the sins of the previous year.’

• ‘The fast of ‘Ashura is equal to a year’s worth of fasts.’

One day before or one day after

The King of Madinah, the Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم stated, ‘Keep the fast of the day of ‘Ashura and oppose the Jews in it; keep the fast of one day before or after the day of ‘Ashura.’

(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 1, p. 518, Hadees 2154) 

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Bin ‘Abbas رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُمَا, a Sahabi and the son of a Sahabi, states, ‘I have not seen the Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم seeking the fast of any day whilst giving it excellence over another day except for the day of ‘Ashura and the month of Ramadan.’ 

(Bukhari, vol. 1, p. 657, Hadees 2006)

The fast of ‘Ashura became a cause of forgiveness

A respected scholar was seen in a dream. The one who saw the dream asked him about his state. He said, ‘I was forgiven due to the blessing of keeping the fast of ‘Ashura for 60 years.’ It is stated in another narration that ‘due to the blessing of keeping the fast of ‘Ashura and that of one day before and after’.

(Lataif-ul-Ma’arif, p. 57)

The reason for calling it Muharram

Dear Islamic brothers! The first month of the Islamic year is Muharram. The name ‘Muharram’ was given to it due to the sacredness (i.e. reverence) of this blessed month. 

(Tafseer Ibn-e-Kaseer, At Taubah, Taht-al-ayah. 36, vol. 4, p. 128)

صَلُّوْا عَلَی الْحَبِیْب       صَلَّی اللهُ عَلٰی مُحَمَّد

Allah Almighty commenced the Islamic year with the blessed month of Muharram-ul-Haraam and has bestowed upon us many opportunities of reward, goodness, and blessing in it. He opened up ways for a believing person to become His favoured (bondsman) so that a person becomes close to the Almighty Lord from the very beginning of the year, and so that he repents, and his sins are forgiven. Moreover, the effect of good deeds remains until the end of the year, to the extent that one remains preoccupied in worship in the last month of the year, Zul-Hijja-til-Haraam, as well. It is hoped that obedience of the entire year will be written for him, because whoever’s deed starts and ends on worship, then the ruling of the one who remains engaged in worship in between both these times also applies to him. 

(Lataif-ul-Ma'arif, p. 36)

Two virtues of Muharram-ul-Haraam

A person presented himself in the blessed court of the Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم and humbly asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, other than Ramadan, which month should I keep fasts in?’ He صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم stated, ‘After Ramadan, if you are to keep fasts in any month, then keep the fasts of Muharram, as this is the month of Allah Almighty. In this month, there is one day in which Allah Almighty accepted the repentance of a nation and will also accept the repentance of others as well.’ 

(Musnad Imam Ahmad, vol. 1, p. 327, Hadees 1334)

The Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم stated, ‘After the month of Ramadan, the most superior fasts are the fasts of Muharram, the month of Allah Almighty, and after the Fard Salah, the most superior Salah is that of the night.’ 

(Muslim, p. 456, Hades 2755)

The greatness of the first ‘Asharah (ten days) of Muharram

Sayyiduna Abu ‘Usman Nahdi رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه states, ‘The blessed companions رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُم would revere three sets of ten days.

• The last ten days of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak

• The first ten days of Zul-Hijja-til-Haraam
  

• The first ten days of Muharram-ul-Haraam.

The day of ‘Ashura

Dear Islamic brothers! The 10th of Muharram holds a special importance in this blessed month. It is known as Yawm-e-‘Ashura. One reason for calling 10th Muharram-ul-Haraam ‘Ashura is also because Allah Almighty favored ten Noble Prophets with honor and respect on this day.

(Fayz-ul-Qadeer, vol. 4, p. 394, Taht-ul-Hadees 5365)

The blessed links of the day of ‘Ashura

The day of ‘Ashura has a special link to the Noble Prophets عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلَام:

Sayyiduna Musa عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام was helped on the day of ‘Ashura, and Fir’awn and his followers were destroyed on it.

• The ark of Sayyiduna Nuh عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام stopped at Mount Joodi.

• Sayyiduna Yunus عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام attained salvation from the stomach of the whale.

• It is the day when the repentance of Sayyiduna Aadam عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام was accepted.

• Sayyiduna Yusuf عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام was taken out of the well.

• Sayyiduna ‘Isa عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام was born on this day and he عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام was raised to the heavens on this very day.

• The repentance of Sayyiduna Dawood عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام was accepted on the day of ‘Ashura.
  

• Sayyiduna Ibraheem عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام was born on this very day.

• The weakness in eye-sight that Sayyiduna Ya’qoob عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام had went away on this very day.

• Sayyiduna Idrees عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام was raised to the heavens.

• On this very day, Allah Almighty removed the affliction of Sayyiduna Ayyub عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام.

• Sayyiduna Sulayman عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام was bestowed with kingship on the day of ‘Ashura. 

(‘Umda-tul-Qaari, vol. 8, p. 233)