Sheikh Sead Halilagić: Yawm Ashura is a day full of blessings

Yawm Ashura is a blessed day full of blessings, stated Sheikh Sead Halilagić of Hadži Sinan's Tekke in Sarajevo for the MINA Agency, on the occasion of Ashura Day.

According to the Calendar of the Islamic Community (IZ) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the 10th day of the month of Muharram 1445 AH, which is traditionally called Ashura Day or Yawm Ashura in Islamic tradition, is being observed today, July 28.

Sheikh Halilagić reminded that Allah bestows numerous blessings in the month of Muharram, and that the tenth day of this month holds a special, chosen place among blessed days.

- This day is distinguished by numerous values. Its time is a special mercy and blessing from Allah, which the Majestic Lord bestows upon us, sinful servants, and offers us an opportunity for forgiveness and an increase in reward for the good deeds we do in it, which is why Ashura Day is also called Yawm al-Zina (the day of adornment) - stated Sheikh Halilagić.

Sheikh Halilagić stated that the hadiths say that the Messenger of Allah fasted on Ashura Day and commanded others to fast on that day, and that fasting on Ashura Day erases sins from the past year.

- Our role model, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), encouraged the members of his community to fast on this day and emphasized that fasting on this day is the most valuable after fasting in Ramadan. Even before fasting in Ramadan was prescribed as obligatory, our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) fasted on Ashura Day. Even the polytheists knew the value of this day, and they also observed it by fasting. It is Sunnah to fast on Ashura Day along with the day before and the day after, in order to distinguish ourselves from non-Muslims, although it is not discouraged to fast only on Ashura Day - he said.

He added that this day is also called Eid al-Anbiya – “the festival of prophets,” because on this day, Allah, out of His generosity and kindness, honored many of His most chosen servants, the prophets, with special favors, bestowing upon them His mercy and salvation.

- It is said in a hadith that this is the day when Noah's Ark stopped on Mount Judi, so Noah (peace be upon him) fasted on it. Noah and the believers, after a six-month flood, landed on dry land alive and well on Yawm Ashura. In gratitude to the Lord of the worlds, Prophet Noah fasted that day and commanded the believers to fast. When it was time for Iftar, Noah told his followers that each of them should bring whatever food they had to prepare Iftar. Some brought a little wheat, some a little rice, some something else. Noah (peace be upon him) mixed all the ingredients and made a delicious dish that they broke their fast with. Allah bestowed His abundant blessings upon this dish and the communal table, and everyone was satisfied. They named the dish 'Selamet Lokma' (a bite of salvation), and it was the first dish made after the flood. Since that time, the dish has been called Ashura. People around the world have adopted this custom and maintained it to this day, as have we here in Bosnia - stated the Sheikh.

He added that on this day, Allah (SWT) chose the family of Prophet Muhammad for martyrdom.

- On the tenth of Muharram in the year 61 AH, the Prophet's grandson, Hazrat Hussein (may Allah be pleased with him), along with 72 members of his family and friends, was martyred in Karbala, Iraq. The Prophet (peace be upon him) had foretold this tragic event half a century before it happened. This sad news, received from Gabriel (peace be upon him), caused grief to the Prophet (peace be upon him). Hazrat Hussein opposed the usurpation of power by the unworthy Yazid ibn Muawiyah, saving Muslims from general disgrace and shame. For truth and justice, for Islam, he sacrificed everything he possessed: property, status, health, family, and finally his own life. The Majestic Allah chose this noble group for martyrdom on this blessed day, because any good deed done on this day is significantly more valuable than at other times, in order to grant them high ranks and, God willing, to place them alongside the prophets and the Rightly Guided Caliphs - explained the Sheikh, emphasizing that Yawm Ashura is also an opportunity to re-examine our relationship with the Prophet and his household (Ahl al-Bayt).

He stressed that on this blessed day, one should provide more abundantly for their family, “and the whole year will be blessed.”

- Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) believes that the sacred months, and Yawm Ashura within them, have a special place with Allah, and that one should be very careful to avoid doing what is forbidden and disliked, because sins committed during these times are magnified. One should only do good, which is rewarded manifold - stated Sheikh Halilagić.

He conveyed that before us is “an opportunity extended by the Exalted Lord to do good and cleanse ourselves of sins.”

- Let us all sincerely repent and seek forgiveness, remembrance of Allah, and recite the Holy Quran, and ask Allah the Merciful for forgiveness for ourselves, our families, friends, and all Muslims. Let us ask Him to shower us with His mercy and guide us to good, and to unite and help us. Let us not miss the opportunity, through fasting, as one of the most valuable acts of worship, during these days, especially on Yawm Ashura, to revive the Sunnah of our Prophet and thus express our obedience to Allah, draw closer to Him the Majestic, and gain His pleasure, closeness, and love. Provide for your families and help those in need. Make the Ashura dish and share it with your family, friends, and neighbors, draw closer to them, make them happy, and share the joy of this blessed day. Let us build and strengthen our common fraternal relations and help each other in good deeds - concluded Sheikh Halilagić.