What is the ruling on fasting the ninth and tenth days of Muharram, and on the family gathering to eat some wheat and barley without performing religious rituals? And what is the ruling on the family gathering on Laylat al-Qadr and the night of the Prophet's birthday with recitation of the Quran?

Fasting on Tasu'a and Ashura is legislated and recommended. There is no harm in gathering for Iftar. However, gathering for occasions such as Ashura, the Prophet's Birthday (Mawlid), and Laylat al-Qadr—for purposes other than prayer—is better left avoided as a preventative measure against innovation (bid'ah). Indeed, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, forbade introducing anything into the religion that is not part of it. Thus, observing Laylat al-Qadr should be through dhikr (remembrance), prayer, supplication, and reciting the Qur'an.