Q: Is maatam permissible? I've read online that it is not but a website says the Sahabah used to do it. I would appreciate if you could help and clarify.
A: This has no basis in Islam and was never practised by the Sahaabah. Undoubtedly the gruesome martyrdom of Hazrat Husain (Radiyallahu Anhu) was among the most tragic and heart breaking events that occurred in the annals of history. However despite that, it should be borne in mind that the occasion of Aashura and its virtues are not associated with the martyrdom of Hazrat Husain (Radiyallahu Anhu). Instead, Aashura had received its virtue and auspiciousness before the birth of Hazrat Husain (Radiyallahu Anhu).
There were many other personalities greater than Hazrat Husain (Radiyallahu Anhu) who were also martyred in the path of Allah Ta'ala, from the Ambiya (Alayhimus Salaam) and also from the Sahaaba (Radiyallahu Anhum), the likes of Hazrat Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu), Hazrat Usmaan (Radiyallahu Anhu), Hazrat Ali (Radiyallahu Anhu), Hazrat Ja'far (Radiyallahu Anhu), Hazrat Hamza (Radiyallahu Anhu) and many others. If one feels that he should mourn the death of Hazrat Husain (Radiyallahu Anhu) as he had given his life in the path of Allah Ta'ala, then what about all the other personalities who were greater than Hazrat Husain (Radiyallahu Anhu) and had also sacrificed their lives for Deen before Hazrat Husain (Radiyallahu Anhu). However, there is no day that has been earmarked in the Islamic calendar for one to mourn the death of any personality.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Checked & Approved: