10 Things Recommended to do on the Day of Ashura

The eve and the Day of Ashura mark a tremendously emotional time for many lovers and followers of the holy Prophet Mohammad (s) and his family. Hundreds of millions across the world gather to listen to the tragedy of Karbala and the story of the Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a), his family and companions, expressing their mourning through the Husseini Rituals (al-shair al-hussainia). This is very important and good to see, but we should not forget the recommended deeds and Aadaab (etiquettes) of the eve and Day of Ashura as well.

Here are 10 things to keep in mind:

1. On the eve of the 10th of Muharram year 61AH, Imam Hussain (a) and his companions felt the sweetness of the remembrance of God through recitation of the Quran and worship of the Almighty. It is encouraged to follow on their footsteps tonight. It is highly encouraged to stay up in worship, for we are told the reward will be that of all the worship of the angels combined, as well as the reward equalling 70 years of worship. Several prayers have been recommended on the eve of Ashura. One of them is as follows: 4-unit Salah, done as two units each time. In each Ruka after surah Fateha to recite 50 times sura ikhlas. Afterwards recite salawat and ask Allah to distance his mercy from the enemies of Ahlulbayt (a). Don’t forget to perform Salat al-layl as well.

2. We must not forget the Quran during Muharram, and especially on eve and Day of Ashura. The mesmerising words of the Almighty was constantly on the lips of Imam Hussain (a) during this time. Recite some chapter on the eve and the day itself, and write down notes of reflection too. On the Day of Ashura, Recite Surah Ikhlas as much as possible. We are told 1000 times of its recitation on Ashura brings down the abundant mercy of Allah.

3. A man by the name of Abdullah ibn Sinan states: I arrived in the presence of my master, Imam Sadiq (A.S.) on the Day of Ashura and found him pale and grief‑stricken, with tears streaming from his eyes like falling pearls. Ashura therefore should be a day of grief and sorrow, and this should be evident in our interactions and what we do. It’s a day whereby the believers are encouraged to shed the tears and remember the tragedy of Karbala throughout. Imam Al-Redha (a) is reported to have said: The one for whom the Day of Ashura is a day of tragedy, grief and weeping, Allah the Mighty, The Glorious, shall make the Day of Judgment, a day of joy and happiness for them. Attendance of majalis as well as processions are highly encouraged as well.

4. Believers on Ashura day should refrain from eating and drinking until the afternoon, yet should not fast. Ashura day was emphasized as a day of fasting by Banu Ummayah who would regularly celebrate.

5. The Ahlulbayt have emphasized the need to make Ashura different, in that we should not be seeking the pleasure of this world on this day. Imam Al-Redha (a) is reported to have said: One who refrains from seeking his (worldly) desires on the Day of Ashura, Allah shall grant him his desires of this world and the hereafter. Hence take the day off work and focus on remembering Karbala.

6. It is recommended to either visit the shrine of Imam Hussain (a) or recite Ziyarah Ashura. The Ziyarah should be recited in full and without omissions, and if one is not able to repeat the certain parts 100 times, they should say the line and then utter: 100 times, however the actual recitation as per instructions is indeed rewarding. In Mafatih Al-Jinan, Sh Qummi also presents the less-well known Ziyarah Ashura, which he names: Ziyarat Ashura al-ghayr mash’hoora. Try to recite this as well as Ziyarat Warith as well.

7. When seeing other believers, it is recommended to console each other by saying: May Allah make our reward and your reward great, for our grief for Hussain, peace be on him. May He place us and you from those who help his cause with His representative, the guided Imam from the family of Muhammad, peace be on them.

8. To ask Allah (swt) to withdraw his mercy, through la’an, from the killers of Imam Hussain (a). It is mentioned that this should be said 1000 times on Ashura Day. This also serves as an important reminder for us all to stand against all forms of oppression and injustice.

9. Imam Hussain (a) had several amazing duas recited on the 10th of Muharram and throughout the day. Recite and reflect the first dua that Imam uttered. There is something special about reciting this dua as well as the final dua of Imam on the Day of Ashura.

10. We must not forget during this time what Imam (a) stood and died for. Make a list of what has inspired you this Muharram. How will this make a positive difference? For example, the grandson of the Prophet stopped the fight to attend to his prayers. He was showered with arrows and lost a few of his companions who were defending him whilst he remembered Allah in Salah. Are we protective of this beautiful act of devotion?