such matters: they cite many hadiths, although scholars unanimously agree that they are weak—indeed, fabricated. Likewise, they cite [hadiths] (1) concerning the virtue of fasting in Rajab, all of which are weak—indeed, fabricated—in the judgment of scholars. They also mention the Prayer of Desires on the night (2) of the first Friday in Rajab and the Thousandfold Prayer at mid-Shabān. Similarly, among what they mention concerning the virtues of Ashura are reports about spending generously on one’s family and the virtues of shaking hands, applying henna, dyeing one’s hair, bathing, and similar practices. They also mention a prayer to be performed on that day.

All of this is a lie against the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Nothing sound has been established regarding Ashura except the virtue of fasting on that day.

Harb al-Kirmānī said:

I asked Ahmad ibn Hanbal about the hadith related as follows: “Whoever spends generously on his family (3) on the day of Ashura, Allah will grant him abundance throughout the rest of that year.”

He replied:

“It has no basis (4).”

A number of scholars wrote works on the virtues of the Companions—Alī and others—among them Khaythama ibn Sulaymān al-Atrābulusī. Khaythama preceded Abū Nuaym, who transmitted from him by authorization.

Khaythama and others like him followed the well-known practice of scholars who compiled works arranged by subject: each would transmit whatever he had heard concerning this (5) subject.