Day of Ashura

Day of Ashura: A Sacred Day of Reflection, History, and Fasting

What is the Day of Ashura? The Day of Ashura is the 10th of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar. The Day of Ashura carries deep meaning and rich historical significance in Islam. Derived from the Arabic word “Asharah” which means ten, Ashura falls on the tenth day of Muharram each year.

There are certain days in the year which are more virtuous than others, and Ashura is one of them. The Day of Ashura commemorates profound events involving several prophets, including Prophet Musa (AS) and Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Muslims also remember the tragic Battle of Karbala and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) on this day.

The History and Significance of the Day of Ashura in Islam

Muslims regard the Day of Ashura as one of the most sacred days in Islam due to its multiple historical events. This day reminds Muslims of trials, victories, sacrifices, and divine intervention.

First and foremost, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasized its importance by fasting it himself and encouraging the ummah to do so. Secondly, Allah saved Prophet Musa (AS) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh’s tyranny on this day. Lastly, it is a day of solemn remembrance for the Battle of Karbala, a tragic event that profoundly affected Islamic history.

The Battle of Karbala and the Martyrdom of Imam Hussain

One of the major events tied to the Day of Ashura is the Battle of Karbala, which took place in 61 AH (680 CE) in present-day Iraq. Imam Hussain ibn Ali, the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), stood against the oppressive ruler Yazid ibn Muawiyah, refusing to pledge allegiance to his unjust leadership.

On the 10th of Muharram, Yazid’s forces brutally massacred Imam Hussain and his small group of family and companions. They stood bravely against a much larger army and sacrificed their lives for the sake of justice, righteousness, and the preservation of true Islam.

Imam Hussain’s relationship with the Prophet (SAW) was incredibly strong. The Prophet once said:
“Al-Husain is from me, and I am from Al-Husain. Whoever loves Al-Husain is loved by Allah.”
(Musnad Ahmad)

Despite the overwhelming opposition, Imam Hussain (RA) and 72 companions, including his young children, faced martyrdom with steadfastness. This powerful event transformed Ashura into a day of both mourning and spiritual reflection for many Muslims around the world.

The Story of Prophet Musa and the Day of Ashura

Another significant reason why the Day of Ashura is honored lies in the story of Prophet Musa (AS). Allah saved him and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh’s pursuing army on this blessed day.

Pharaoh had declared himself divine and committed countless atrocities. Prophet Musa (AS), guided by Allah, led his people to escape from Pharaoh’s control. When they reached the sea, the pursuing army was close behind. That is when Prophet Musa (AS) declared:

“Truly my Lord is with me, He will guide me through.”
(Quran 26:62)

By Allah’s command, the sea parted, allowing Musa and the believers to cross safely. Pharaoh and his army were then drowned. This divine event demonstrated the power of faith, trust in Allah, and resistance to tyranny. It’s a key reason why the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) fasted on this day and encouraged Muslims to do the same.

Other Prophets and Events Linked to the Day of Ashura

The Day of Ashura is not only linked to Prophet Musa (AS) and Imam Hussain (RA), but also to other prophets and significant moments.

Some narrations suggest that on the Day of Ashura:

  • Prophet Nuh (AS)‘s Ark came to rest on Mount Judi after the flood receded.
  • Prophet Adam (AS) was forgiven by Allah after his repentance.
  • Prophet Yunus (AS) was saved from the belly of the whale.
  • Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was saved from the fire of Nimrod.
  • Prophet Isa (AS) was raised to the heavens.

These accounts, though not all verified through authentic hadith, still reflect how the Day of Ashura is seen as a day of divine mercy, forgiveness, and miracles.

Why Did the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Fast on the Day of Ashura?

When the Prophet (SAW) migrated to Madinah, he noticed the Jews fasting on the 10th of Muharram. They said it was to commemorate the deliverance of Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers from Pharaoh.

In response, the Prophet (SAW) said:
“We are closer to Musa than you are.”
He then encouraged Muslims to fast on this day as a way of gratitude to Allah.

The Prophet emphasized the value of fasting on Ashura and was eager to observe it:

“I never saw the Messenger of Allah (SAW) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of Ashura, and this month, meaning Ramadan.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Fasting the Day of Ashura and Its Variations

Fasting on the Day of Ashura is a Sunnah that carries great reward. However, the Prophet also advised his followers to differ from the practices of the Jews.

He stated that if he lived until the next year, he would fast on the ninth of Muharram as well. Unfortunately, he passed away before the next Muharram came. Based on this, scholars have identified three main ways of observing the fast:

  1. Fast only the 10th of Muharram (Ashura)
  2. Fast the 9th and 10th of Muharram
  3. Fast the 10th and 11th of Muharram

Some scholars also recommend fasting all three days – the 9th, 10th, and 11th – to avoid any uncertainty and gain extra reward.

Commemorating the Day of Ashura Beyond Fasting

Fasting is not the only act of worship encouraged on the Day of Ashura. Muslims are urged to increase good deeds, seek forgiveness, and remember Allah more frequently on this day.

Here are recommended actions for Ashura:

1. Give Charity and Help the Needy

Ashura is an ideal time to give Sadaqah and Zakat to those in need. Helping the poor and oppressed honors the spirit of sacrifice shown by Imam Hussain (RA) and Prophet Musa (AS).

2. Be Generous to Family

The Prophet (SAW) said:
“One who generously spends on his family on the day of Ashura, Allah will be generous with him for the entire year.”
(Bayhaqi)

Spending time and resources on loved ones is highly encouraged.

3. Engage in Additional Worship

Use this sacred time to read more Quran, make duas, and offer nafl (optional) prayers. It’s also beneficial to reflect on the lessons from Ashura and the examples set by our prophets.

4. Send Salawat on the Prophet (SAW)

Sending blessings (salawat) upon the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) brings barakah and aligns us with his teachings on this blessed day.

What Lessons Can We Learn from the Day of Ashura?

Ashura teaches Muslims valuable life lessons about faith, patience, justice, and resistance to oppression. The stories of Musa (AS), Imam Hussain (RA), and others remind us of the importance of trusting Allah, even during difficult times.

  • Like Prophet Musa, we should have firm belief that Allah will guide us through any hardship.
  • Like Imam Hussain, we must stand for justice even when it’s unpopular or dangerous.
  • Like Prophet Yunus and Adam, we should never give up on repentance and forgiveness.

Each story tied to Ashura brings with it spiritual depth, inspiring us to become stronger in our devotion and moral character.

Final Thoughts on the Day of Ashura

The Day of Ashura is much more than just a date on the calendar. It is a reminder of monumental events that shaped Islamic history and inspired millions of believers across the globe. Whether you reflect on the victory of Musa (AS), the sacrifice of Hussain (RA), or the mercy shown to other prophets, Ashura offers endless lessons.

Muslims should approach this day with sincerity, fasting, prayer, and remembrance. It is a time to purify our hearts, uplift our souls, and draw closer to Allah.

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