The virtues and blessings of the 10th of Muharram (Ashoorah)
Our Islamic year begins with Muharramul Haraam, the first month of the Hijri Calendar. While the followers of other religions spend their opening month in worthless merriment, the first month of Islam teaches us numerous lessons of admonition, good counseling, Knowledge of Allah, sacrifice, selflessness, patience and seeking pleasure of Allah.
The 10th of Muharram (Ashurah) enjoys many distinctive qualities as Almighty Allah created the heavens and earth on this blessed day. On this very day He bestowed His infinite blessings and bounties on many of His Prophets and delivered them from the clutches of their enemies.
Wazaaif for Muharram and Ashoorah
On the first of Muharram offer 2 Raka’ats Nafl prayers. In each Raka’at after Surah Fateha recite Surah Ikhlas 3 times. After the Salaam, pray to Almighty Allah for all your needs and desires. From the blessings of this prayer Almighty Allah will appoint one Angel for such a person who will guide him to do all good deeds and prevent him from engaging in any sinful acts.
On the eve of Ashoorah, offer 100 Raka’ats Nafl, in each Raka’at recite Surah Ikhlas 3 times after Surah Fateha. After the salaam recite the first Kalimah 100 times. Almighty Allah will forgive all the sins of such people.
Dua-e-Ashoorah (An Insurance worth for a Years of one’s Life)
Ths dua-e-Ashoorah is a proven means of achieving this insurance. Hazrat Imam Zainul Abedeen (May Allah be pleased with him) reports that whoever recites this dua on the 10th of Muharram, any time after sunrise will most certainly make its recitation insurance worth a year’s life for him, by keeping death away from him. However, if he is to become a victim in that year, he will by some strange co-incidence not remember to recite it.
Nafl Prayer for the Eve of Ashoorah
On the eve of Ashoorah offer 4 Raka’ats Nafl Salaah (prayers) as follows: In every Raka’at after Surah Fateha recite Ayatul Kursi once and Surah Ikhlas 3 times. After completing this prayer, recite Surah Ikhlas 100 times. Almighty Allah will purify such a person from all his sins and grant him countless bounties and blessings in Paradise.
The Fast of Ashoorah
One should fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. If is is not possible to fast on both days, then every effort should be made to fast on the 10th of Muharram, as there is great reward for this fast (Muslim Shareef).
The Ulema of Ahle Sunnat have listed the following 10 desirable acts for the Day of Ashoorah. Some Ulema are of the opinion that these are listed in Hadith, while others attribute this to the sayings of Hazrat Ali (May Allah be pleased with him). In any case they are all good acts and as such should be practiced on this blessed day. These 10 acts are:
To observe fast on this day
To give as much charity as you can afford
To perform Nafl prayers
To recite Surah Ikhlas 1000 times
To visit and be in the company of pious Ulema
To place a hand of affection on the head of an orphan
To give generosity to ones relatives
To put ‘surma’ in ones eyes
To take a bath (Ghusl)
To cut one’s mails (if big)
In some books the following 3 acts too have been added as desirable acts for the Day of Ashoorah:
To visit the sick
To establish friendship with one’s enemies
To recite Dua-e-Ashoorah
Hazrat Abdullah bin Masud (May Allah be pleased with him), a Companion of the beloved Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) reports the following saying of the Messenger of Allah:
"Whomsoever prepares ample food an drink for his family on this sacred day and delights in feeding them generously, Almighty Allah will increase his provisions for that year, and place much blessings and good therein."