The Proper Islamic Perspective on ʿĀshūrāʾ: Between Extremism and the Sunnah

Sheikh Abdulhameed Az-Zu'kari hafidahullāh said: All praise is due to Allāh, and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allāh. To proceed: Most people, when it comes to matters of knowledge and practice, fall into three categories: (1) extremists, (2) neglectful ones, and (3) those who are just and balanced. The same applies to the day of ʿĀshūrāʾ. The Rāfiḍah mourn, strike themselves, and commit numerous innovations that contradict the Qur'ān and Sunnah—some of which even amount to shirk and other forms of grave misguidance. On the other hand, the Nāṣibah and those who resemble them treat the day like a celebration. They rejoice, dress festively, and engage in play and amusement. While the Rāfiḍah weep over Al-Ḥusayn (may Allāh be pleased with him), the Nāṣibah and their likes gloat over the suffering of the Rāfiḍah. As for Ahlus-Sunnah, they fast on this day, following the practice of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ. Their belief regarding ʿĀshūrāʾ is what the Prophet ﷺ taught: that fasting on this day expiates the sins of the past year, and that it is a great day on which Allāh saved Mūsā (peace be upon him) and his people, and destroyed Pharaoh. Muslims must adhere to the Prophetic guidance and the correct Sharīʿah-based path in both joyful and sorrowful occasions, and in all matters—whether scholarly, practical, or even permissible acts. Even in what is permitted by the Sharīʿah, we must remain within its bounds and avoid introducing innovations and violations. As for the Rāfiḍah, Allāh has humiliated them on the day of ʿĀshūrāʾ. They beat themselves, sometimes with swords or metal chains, to the point that their blood flows. This brings upon them disgrace and degradation. “Indeed, those who oppose Allāh and His Messenger will be among the most humiliated.” [Surah Al-Mujādilah, 58:20] We ask Allāh to increase them in their humiliation and disgrace. They are among the worst of creation. What can truly be said about such a despicable group?