Greeting address on the occasion of the Day of Ashura on behalf of the Grand Mufti of Bulgaria 

Dear Muslim brothers and sisters,

The tradition is a component of the identity of one society. The Islamic tradition is characterized exactly by this that it is based on events from the time of the Prophet (pbuh) which had left a trace in the consciousness of the Muslims and is practices all over the world.

One of these traditions is related to the tenth day of the month of Muharram. According to some historians this day is related to many events that had happened before the time of the Prophet (pbuh). One of them is the acceptance of the tawbah (repentance) of Adam (a.s.) from the Exalted Allah. Another such event is the salvation of Noah (a.s.) from theFlood, which also happened on that day.  It is not necessary to search for evidence for the credibility of these events. It is a fact that Muhammad (pbuh) was fasting on that day and recommended his companions to preserve fasting. This has to be enough for us to pay a special attention to this day and to decorate it with a worshipping such as fasting, tawbah, etc.

Muhammad (pbuh) had fasted on that day and recommended this worshiping also to his companions, and told them that this is sunnah (tradition) which remained from Musa (a.s.), and we are closer to Musa than the Jews. From another perspective fasting on that day is for the Exalted Allah, but along with this this is strengthening the relationship of the Muslims with the messengers of the Almighty Allah. 

May Allah accept the worshipping of all of us on this day and grant happiness and prosperity in the life of the Muslims in this world and in the Hereafter.

Dr. Mustafa Hadzhi,

Grand Mufti of the Muslims in the Republic of Bulgaria