What is Ashura?
The Islamic calendar places a great deal of significance on Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram. It’s a day filled with spiritual insights and historical events. Ashura is a moment for Muslims all across the world to remember, contemplate, and do acts of worship.
When is Ashura 2024?
Ashura is observed on Sunday, 7th July 2024. Because it is based on the Islamic lunar calendar, this date may vary slightly depending on when the moon is seen.
Give Sadaqah or Zakat on This Blessed Day
Ashura is the day when donations are considered charitable. Sadaqah voluntary charity and zakat obligatory almsgiving both carry great rewards, especially when they are offered on significant days like Ashura. Give generously to those in need and receive profound spiritual rewards. The History and Significance of Ashura
The Battle of Karbala
The most poignant event associated with Ashura is the battle of Karbala in 680 AD is the most melancholic incident linked to Ashura. The conflict between Yazidi I, the Umayyad caliph, and Imam Hussain ibn Ali RA, the grandson of prophet Muhammad PBUH, was a tragic one. The martyrdom of Imam Hussain is a manifestation of the fight against oppression and injustice
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Hussain is from me, and I am from Hussain. May Allah love those who love Hussain.” This hadith highlights the close relationship between the Prophet and his grandson, emphasizing the significance of Hussain’s sacrifice.
The Day Allah Freed Prophet Musa
Ashura is also a day to celebrate the deliverance of Prophet Musa Moses and the Israelites from Pharaoh’s rule. Allah separated from the Red Sea to let the Prophet Musa and his followers flee, recognizing the day as a time of divine intervention and triumph over oppression.
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 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, 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 | 26:63-68
Why Did the Prophet (PBUH) Fast on Ashura?
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) observed fasting on Ashura to express gratitude for the victory of Musa and the Israelites. When he learned that the Jews of Medina also fasted on this day, he stated, “We have more right to Musa than you.” Thus, he encouraged Muslims to fast on Ashura to honor this historical deliverance.
Fasting the 11th of Muharram
In addition to fasting on the 10th of Muharram, the Prophet (PBUH) recommended fasting on the 9th or the 11th of Muharram to distinguish the Islamic practice from that of the Jews. This practice is also believed to amplify the spiritual rewards and ensure that fasting is carried out most respectfully.
- To fast the 9th and 10th,
- or to fast on the 10th and 11th.
- Just the day of Ashura
- Some scholars would even fast the 9th, 10th and 11th of Muharram
Any one of these options is recommended.
Virtues of Ashura:
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it” (Sahih Muslim).
Acts of Worship on Ashura:
Besides fasting, other acts of worship such as
- Additional prayers,
- Reciting the Quran,
- Zikr (remembrance of Allah) is encouraged.
These acts are believed to bring immense blessings and spiritual upliftment.
