THE GIFT-CUSTOM OF 10^th MUHARRAM

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:

“He who expands on his family in the matter of nafqah (house expenses) on the day of Aashuraa’, Allah will expand on him throughout the remaining part of the year.”

FOOD

The authorities of the Shariah, (the Akaabir Ulama) have restricted the lavish expenditure of this day to food. We are required to spend a bit more on food and provide delicious dishes for the family on this day.

The issue of providing more delicious food or spending more than usual on food on this day, has different meanings for different communities and for even different families in the same community. Most nations have what is called a staple food which they consume throughout the year. The overwhelming majority of people live in poverty and cannot afford sumptuous dishes. For such people the meaning of the Hadith is quite simple and clear. The man in the house should endeavour to bring more than the usual staple diet. Poor people who perhaps eat meat a couple of times a year, will truly appreciate and relish the sumptuous meal.

Fasting may be defined as a period of complete abstinence from all types of food or just specific food. Contrary to perception that fasting is akin to subjecting the body to austere measures, it may turn out to be a ‘good treat’ for the body. What is perhaps a rare phenomenon with humans is rather second nature to animals, who instinctively avoid food to ease pain, discomfort or disease.