Question
Does the practice of applying surmah on the day of ‘Ashura (10th Muharram) have any proof?
Answer
Imam Al-Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) and others have written that the practice of applying surma on ‘Ashura has been reported in an extremely weak narration.
(Shu’abul Iman, vol. 5, pg. 334 and Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 1085)
Hafiz Ibn Rajab, ‘Allamah ‘Ayni and ‘Allamah Sakhawi (rahimahumullah) have in fact classified this as a fabrication.
(Lataiful Ma’arif, pg. 112, ‘Umdatul Qari, before Hadith: 2000 and Al-Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 1085)
The ‘Ulama -in the above references- have therefore ruled it as a bid’ah (innovation).
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasooma