Sayyidna Husain (ra) his martyrdom and beating yourself in mourning

Posted by Hamza Isa | Posted in Fiqh/Law, General | Posted on 29-01-2007

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The Holy Prophet (saw) has forbidden us from holding the mourning ceremonies on the death of any person. The people of jahiliyyah (ignorance) used to mourn over their deceased through loud lamentations, by tearing their clothes and by beating their cheeks and chests

The Holy Prophet (saw) stopped the Muslims from doing all this and directed them to observe patience by saying “Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji’oon”. A number of authentic Ahaadith are available on the subject. To quote only one of them:

“He is not from our group who slaps his checks, tears his clothes and cries in the manner of the people of jahiliyyah”. (Sahih Bukhari)

All the authentic jurists are unanimous on the point that the mourning of this type is absolutely impermissible. Even Sayyidna Husain (ra) at shortly before his demise, had advised his beloved sister Sayyidah Zainab (ra) at not to mourn over his death in this manner. He said,

“My dear sister, I swear upon you that you, in case I die, shall not tear your clothes, nor scratch your face, nor curse anyone for me or pray for your death”. (Al-Kamil, ibn Kathir vol. 4 pg. 24)

It is evident from this advice of Sayyidna Husain, (ra) that this type of mourning is condemned even by the blessed person for the memory of whom these mourning ceremonies are held. Every Muslim should avoid this
practice and abide by the teachings of the Holy Prophet (saw) and his beloved grand child Sayyidna Husain (ra).