What is the ruling on what people do on the day of Ashura, such as applying kohl, bathing, using henna, shaking hands, cooking grains, and showing joy? Is there any authentic hadith to that effect from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him? And is it considered an innovation (bid'ah) if not? What is the ruling on what the other group does, such as holding mourning ceremonies, showing grief, thirst, wailing, lamenting, and tearing clothes? And does it have any basis?

No authentic hadith has been reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, or his Companions, nor has any of the Muslim imams recommended anything regarding the Day of Ashura other than fasting. Reports about virtues for the Day of Ashura, such as applying kohl, taking a bath, or expanding expenses for the family, are fabricated hadiths with no basis.

Two factions in Kufa introduced an innovation on the Day of Ashura. One group made it a day of sorrow and wailing for the killing of Husayn, while another group made it a day of joy and happiness. Both are innovators who contravene the Sunnah. Indeed, it is authentically reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded patience and uttering "Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" (To Allah we belong and to Him is our return) during calamities, and forbade striking cheeks and tearing garments.

The reported hadiths that are not found in the reliable books of Sunnah or Musnad collections and were not known in the virtuous early generations are weak and fabricated. It is regrettable that there are misguided groups that continue to persist in their innovative practices on the Day of Ashura to this very day. As for fasting, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, fasted it and commanded its fasting before Ramadan was made obligatory. Then, its fasting became recommended thereafter. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to fast the ninth day along with the tenth, in opposition to the Jews.

The religion of Islam is based on two principles: that we worship none but Allah, and that we worship Him according to what He has legislated, not with innovations. Righteous deeds are what Allah and His Messenger love, and these are the legislated, sunnah-based acts.