Does the practice of applying surmah on the day of ‘Ashura (10th Muharram) have any proof?
Answer
Imam Al-Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) and others have written that the practice of applying surma on ‘Aashura has been reported in an extremely weak narration.
(Shu’abul Iman, vol.5 pg.334 and Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 1085)
Hafiz Ibn Rajab, ‘Allamah ‘Ayni and ‘Allamah Sakhawi (rahimahumullah) have in fact classified this as a fabrication.
(Lataiful Ma’arif, pg.112, ‘Umdatul Qari, before Hadith: 2000 and Al-Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 1085)
The ‘Ulama -in the above references- have therefore ruled it as a bid’ah (innovation).
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar