What Is Ashura and Why Is It Important?

Why is it called Ashura?

“Ashura” comes from the Arabic word for the number ten, and the word Muharram comes from the Arabic word haram, meaning forbidden. 

According to Islamic tradition, the month of Muharram was one of the most sacred months of the calendar, during which warfare was forbidden. 

As we welcome the new Islamic year, we should take the time to reflect on ourselves and how we can make this year better than the last. One of the best opportunities to get a fresh start is by fasting the day of Ashura. Ashura literally means ‘the tenth’ and refers to the 10th day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar year. It is a day that our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fasted and encouraged us to fast as well. He ﷺ tells us that fasting on this day forgives our sins from the previous year! What better way to get started on a clean slate?

The Prophet ﷺ never abandoned fasting the day of Ashura. We are told that, “There are four things which the Prophet never gave up: fasting Ashura, fasting during the ten days [of Dhul Hijjah], fasting three days of each month, and praying two rak’at before al-ghadah [i.e., Fajr].” [Sunan Al-Nasa’i #2416].

Given that fasting Ashura was so important to the Prophet ﷺ, you might be curious as to why this day is significant. Many of you may have heard that the Prophet ﷺ began fasting the day of Ashura when he arrived in Madinah and found the Jews fasting this day because it coincided with Passover. Ibn Abbas (rA) narrated that:

“When the Prophet ﷺ arrived at Madinah, the Jews were observing the fast on Ashura, and they said, ‘This is the day when Moses became victorious over Pharaoh.’ On that, the Prophet ﷺ said to his companions, ‘You (Muslims) have more right to celebrate Moses’ victory than they have, so observe the fast on this day.’” 

[Sahih Al-Bukhari #4680]
 
The importance of the day of Ashura, however, can be traced back to an earlier time. In fact, the Arabs from the Quraysh tribe used to fast this day before Islam. Aisha (rA), for example, tells us:

“During the pre-lslamic Era of Ignorance (Jahiliyya), the Quraysh used to observe fasting on the day of Ashura, and the Prophet ﷺ himself used to observe fasting on it too. But when he came to Madinah, he (continued) fasting the day and ordered the Muslims to fast it too. When (the command of fasting) Ramadan was revealed, fasting in Ramadan became an obligation, and fasting on Ashura was made voluntary. Whoever wished to fast it did so, and whoever did not wish to fast on it, did not fast.” 

[Sahih Al-Bukhari #4504]
 
The fact that the pre-Islamic Arabs were observing Ashura tells us that doing so was, in reality, a remnant from the teachings of Prophet Ibrahim that they observed, similar to the rituals of Hajj. Another hadith, although it is weak, adds that Ashura “is the day that the ship of Prophet Nuh settled upon Mount Judi, and so Prophet Nuh fasted the day out of thankfulness to Allah” [Musnad Ahmad #8717].
 
Altogether, these events illustrate to us the historic significance of the day of Ashura. Not only did the Prophets of the past observe this day, but it seems to also be connected to moments of God’s victory on earth: Nuh (as) escaping the ridicule and opposition of his people, Musa (as) escaping the tyranny of the Pharaoh, and al-Husayn (rA) escaping the oppressors in power.So as we fast this day in pursuit of Allah’s forgiveness, let’s reflect on the examples of the prophets and the righteous, who opposed tyranny and oppression while standing up for the religion of Allah. As the new year unfolds, we pray that Allah forgives our sins of the past and gives us the strength to stand up for His Truth.
 

The story of Musa

On the Day of Ashura in the time of Prophet Musa (AS), Allah saved the Prophet and Bani Israel from the tyrannical Pharaoh and his army. 

The Pharaoh was extremely violent and corrupt in his rule, and spread blasphemy as he declared himself as God. The Prophet Musa (AS) refused to follow the Pharaoh and instead encouraged him to worship Allah. The Pharaoh would not accept that there was a power higher than himself, and in response sent a large army to destroy the Prophet and his followers. 

On the Day of Ashura, Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers were being chased by the army but trusted Allah alone in protecting them. 

Prophet Musa (AS) made the following famous Dua which was later revealed in the Holy Quran:

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

As a result of his patience and firm faith in Allah’s help, Allah parted the Red Sea so that Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers could pass to safety. As punishment, the Pharaoh and his army were then submerged in the sea.

Then We inspired to Moses, “Strike with your staff the sea,” and it parted, and each portion was like a great towering mountain. And We drew forward the others [i.e., the pursuers]. And We saved Moses and those with him, all together. Then We drowned the others. Indeed in that is a sign, but most of them were not to be believers. And indeed, your Lord – He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful.

Qur’an | Surah Ash-Shu’ara | 26:63-68

The story of Ashura and other Prophets

The Day of Ashura was also significant in the time of other prophets. For example, in the time of prophet Nuh (AS), some narrations say that on the day of Ashura, Allah returned his arc back to dry land after the flooding stopped. It was a day of relief and celebration for the Prophet and his devoted companions. 

Some narrations also say that The Day of Ashura was also the day that Prophet Adam (AS) repented and was forgiven to Allah after eating the forbidden fruit, as well as the day that Prophet Yunus (AS) was released from the belly of the whale and Allah forgave his people. 

Fasting on the Day of Ashura

Muslims are encouraged to fast the Day of Ashura by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

I never saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of ‘Ashura’, and this month, meaning Ramadhan.

Hadith | Sahih al-Bukhari

Why did the Prophet (PBUH) fast on Ashura?

Fasting the 9th of Muharram

The scholars of Islam consider it recommended to fast on the 9th of Muharram along with the 10th of Muharram (‘Ashura). This is due to the Hadith:

When the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) fasted on the day of ‘Ashura and told the people to fast, they said, “O Messenger of Allah, this is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.” The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, “Next year, if Allah wills, we will fast on the ninth day.” But by the time the following year came, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) had passed away. (Muslim)

The Prophet (pbuh) wanted to fast on the 9th, in order to differ from the People of the Book.

Fasting the 11th of Muharram?

Some of the scholars also considered fasting on the 11th of Muharram to be recommended. This could be if one misses the 9th or it could be in order to ensure one catches the 10th of Muharram. Therefore it is virtuous to fast:

  • Just the day of Ashura
  • or to fast the 9th and 10th,
  • or to fast the 10th and 11th.
  • Some scholars would even fast the 9th, 10th and 11th of Muharram.

Any one of these options is recommended.

Commemorating the Day of Ashura

As well as fasting the day of Ashura which is one of the most virtuous acts, there are many other beneficial deeds you can do which can earn great rewards on the blessed day. 

These include giving Sadaqah and Zakat to help those in need across the world, as well as spending money on one’s family. 

Prophet Muhammed (SAW) said, ‘’one who generously spends on his family on the day of Ashura, Allah (SWT) will be generous on him for the entire year (Baihaqi)

It’s also important to increase worship on the Day of Ashura, such as reading more Qur’an, sending salutations to the Prophet (PBUH) and offering naffal (optional) prayers. It’s also a good time to reflect on the significant events which took place on the Day of Ashura and to draw important lessons from them which can help us in our lives, for example to rely on the power of Allah to help us in our time of need. 

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