Several erroneous beliefs exist regarding the blessed Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram). Such incorrect practices are linked to the Shiaism cult and it is necessary that those beliefs be discarded.
The celebration of Hosay here in Trinidad is a baseless and deviated custom which contravenes many laws of Allah, and has nothing to do with the teachings of Islam. It must be clearly understood that such celebrations are totally Haraam, and one must not support or participate in this festival, in any form or fashion.
All elements of Hosay contravene the laws of Islam. The use of musical instruments, beating of drums, stick fighting, dancing, intoxicants, parading of ‘Tajdas’ and casting into the sea are totally baseless and has no significance or place in our Deen.
To attribute the significance of Ashura to the martyrdom of Husein (Radhiallahu-anhu) is also baseless.
Rather it is a day of great virtue and should be spent in Ibaadah and fasting.
Rasulullah (ﷺ) came to Madinah and found the Jews fasting on the Day of Ashura. Rasulullah (ﷺ) inquired of them “What is the significance of this day on which you fast?” They replied: “This is a great day. On this day Allah Ta’aala saved Moosa and his people and drowned Firown and his nation”. Thus Moosa (Alaihis-Salaam) fasted on this day as a token of thanksgiving, therefore, we too fast on this day. The Prophet (ﷺ ) said: “We are more worthy of Moosa (Alaihis-Salaam) and nearer to him than you”. Thereafter he fasted on this day and ordered his companions that a fast be kept on this day. [Muslim]. One should fast the Day of Aashura (10th Muharram) and one additional day, before or after.
Darul Iftaa, Jaamia Madinatul Uloom (Trinidad)
