Is it permissible to wail over (the martyrdom of) Husayn?

Al-Husayn ibn Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, was martyred unjustly. The prescribed action upon remembering his calamity is to say "Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return" (istijra'), and to show patience and seek reward from Allah. As for holding mourning ceremonies and wailing over him, as those who follow innovations and vain desires do, it is a detestable and reprehensible act, contrary to Islamic law, reason, and sound human nature.

Islamic law has forbidden wailing, slapping cheeks, tearing garments, and invoking pre-Islamic calls during calamities. There are authentic hadiths that condemn such actions and threaten those who perform them with punishment. This reprehensible act becomes even more egregious if it occurs many years after the deceased's passing.

Indeed, some prophets and others who were greater than Husayn were killed, such as his father Ali and Uthman, may Allah be pleased with them both. Yet, no Muslim has ever held mourning ceremonies or wailed over them after a long period, except these fools.

Ibn Taymiyyah said that an ignorant group takes the day of Ashura as a day of mourning, grief, and wailing, manifesting the rituals of Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic ignorance). However, Allah and His Messenger commanded patience, seeking reward, and saying "Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return" during calamities. This is what Satan has beautified for the people of misguidance and error. Their actions only renew sorrow and fanaticism, and incite enmity and discord among Muslims.