Events of Ashura.
Question:
What events took place on Ashura? Is it authentic that the first rains fell etc.?
Answer:
With respect to that which is evident from authentic traditions it is narrated that the Prophet (s.a.s) fasted on the day of Ashoorah and encouraged his followers to observe the fast as well. In addition he indicated that one should join another days’ fast with it so as to be different from the custom of the Jews. As such a person may fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram or he / she may fast on the 10th and 11th of Muharram (Ahmad, Bazaar)
As for the virtue of this fast, the Prophet (s.a.s) is reported to have said, that the fast of Ashoorah brings about the forgiveness of one year’s sins. He has full hope and trust in Allah that He will forgive one year’s past sins of a person who observes the fast of Ashoorah. (recorded by Imam Muslim in his authentic compilation).
There are also other traditions which states that the Prophet (s.a.s) said that whoever treats his family generously on this day Allah will be generous to him for the entire year (recorded by Razeen and Baihaqi, Allaama Iraqi states that from among the (Turuq) paths of this tradition some are sound and authentic and others are in accordance to the conditions of Muslim).
Besides these two actions, other virtues of the day of Ashoorah have been mentioned in other books and in certain traditions, however, many scholars have not fully accepted the reliability and soundness of those traditions.
And Allah knows best.
Mufti Waseem Khan