Answered by: Maulana Abrarul H. Hasib
Question:
Regarding spending on one’s family for Ashura; Will it be better to prepare a special meal for Iftaar on the 9th Muharram or for the 10th Muharram if one will be fasting on these days?
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
There is a Hadith that has been recorded in the compilations of Ahadith regarding spending upon one’s family on the day of Ashura (10th Muharram).
The Messenger of Allah (peace and salutations be upon him) said: “Whoever generously spends on his dependents on the day of Aashura, Allah Ta’ala will expand his sustenance for the rest of that year.” [1]
From the aforementioned Hadith, we learned that there are no other actions that are exclusive to this day such as sadaqah, drink, a special type of food, etc, which is innovation and Bid’ah.
One should have the intention of expanding his sustenance and no other intention should be made, and one should spend bearing in mind it is Mustahab and not wajib and compulsory act because doing mustahab things as wajib will be considered Bid’ah. [2]
In conclusion, yes, this virtue is related to the 10th of Muharram.
Only Allah knows best
Written by Maulana Abrarul H. Hasib
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
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[1] Shuabul Imaan, Vol. 5, Pg. 331, Maktabatul Rushd.
[1] Raddul Muhtar, Vol. 3, Pg. 398, Dar Alim Al-Kutub.
[2] Fatawa Darul Uloom Deoband, Vol. 18, Pg. 540, Maktabah Darul Uloom Deoband.