It is mentioned in a hadith that the person who spends freely on his family and dependents on this day (10th of Muharram), then the whole year he will receive an expansion in sustenance.
من وسّع على عياله يوم عاشوراء وسع الله عليه السنة كلها
Famous muhaddithoon have concluded that this hadith is not established. Even if it was established, the reason it is necessary to refrain from it is because people consider it an act of reward, while Shariah did not say there is reward in it. By considering it an act of reward it becomes an innovation. كل بدعة ضلالة وكل ضلالة في النار If someone says that he is only spending to acquire an expanse in sustenance and he does not have the intention of reward, then he will be told that your action supports those people who do it for rewards. At this time leaving it out will be wajib based on the following principle of fiqh: “اذا تردد الحكم بين سنة وبدعة فتركه واجب.” “When an act revolves around Sunnah and Bidah, then leaving it out is wajib.” This issue is not even about Sunnah and Bidah, rather it is about permissible (jaiz) and bidah. Therefore, leaving it out is more so wajib.
There are also many other methods of acquiring an expanse in sustenance. The most effective procedure is to refrain from sin, repentance (tawbah) and seeking forgiveness (istighfaar). This tried technique is proven from explicit text of the Quran and hadith. However, this is left out and the method that involves eating and drinking is adopted. The reason is that this (eating) is sweet and that (refraining from sins) is bitter.
Remember, that once one does not stay away from the disobedience of Allah, repent from a life of sin and please one’s Lord, then no technique will work.
May Allah grant all of us the correct understanding of our Deen and the blessing of full submission.
(Hazrat Mufti) Rasheed Ahmed Ludhyanwi (May Allah have mercy on him.)
Munkaraat-e-Muharram Pg.15-16
ِAlso see an alternative view here.
