Kind treatment toward family on the Day of `Ashura'

Q: On the 10th of Muharram, some people prepare a lot of food for their families and Khatibs (preachers) constantly clarify the religious and worldly virtues of this day. (Part No. 3; Page No. 78) What is the ruling on this? Some people also say that from experience preparing a lot of food on this day leads to blessing in their money.

A: What is valid is to fast during the 10th of Muharram, together with the 9th or 11th. If a Khatib (preacher) or a tutor encourages people to do this and clarifies the virtue of it (the day), this is definitely good. Whereas preparing food for one's family on this day with the intention of being a stipulation of Shari`ah, is Bid`ah (innovation in religion). All the Hadiths mentioned with regard to the virtue of preparing food for one's family on this day are not authentic.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.