Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said: “Observe the fast of ‘Aashura and oppose the Jews by fasting a day before it or after it (as well) i.e. the 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th of Muharram.” (Musnad Ahmad #2154)

While reaping the virtues of fasting on the day of ‘Aashura, an important lesson is emphasised by means of this fast; this is the lesson of firmly maintaining one’s Islamic identity at all times and totally refraining from imitating the disbelievers, even in an act of worship.

We should calmly consider the following:

– Does a Muslim choking in his tie and suit resemble the leader of all mankind, Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), or does he resemble the leaders of Israel and America???

– Does a Muslim youngster in his designer jeans and T-shirt (with the “hottest” fashion label emblazoned across) resemble the leaders of the youth of Jannah, Hassan and Husain (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), or does he resemble the immoral playboys of the West?

– Does a Muslim woman clad in her tops and pants, or other tight-fitting garments and Western fashions, resemble the pure and chaste daughters and wives of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) or is she closer in resemblance to the shameless women of the decadent West?

Does such dressing identify one with Muslims or with the enemies of Islam and the Muslims?

On the one hand, we swear the Zionist and those who are persecuting the Muslims, but on the other hand we follow their every style and trend!