A man fasting on the Day of 'Ashura is invited to lunch by a dear friend; should he accept the invitation and eat, or is it sufficient to pray for him?

The questioner : ... Today, assuming it is 'Ashura, and it is not the day for fasting 'Ashura, and a dear person invited you to a gathering at his home, inviting you to lunch, and if you do not respond, he will be angry; do you accept the invitation or complete your fast?

The Shaykh : If you do not respond, what does that amount to?

The questioner : He will be angry.

The Shaykh : Respond; but if there is no concern, meaning no anger from the one inviting, then pray for him and complete your fast.

The questioner : Meaning, if 'Ashura is a voluntary act?

The Shaykh : It is voluntary, but it has a special virtue.

The questioner : And therefore, accepting the invitation is obligatory?

The Shaykh : Yes, exactly.

The questioner : If your brother invites you, it is obligatory for you to accept his invitation, so the obligation takes precedence over the voluntary act?

The Shaykh : That is so, but if he accepts the excuse, pray for him and the invitation is dropped; and if he does not accept, respond.