What are the key events for day of Ashura?
The day of Ashura is the most important day of the month of Muharram. Fasting on it has been decreed on Muslims as its sunnah and holds important to various prophets.
When is the day of Ashura?
The Day of Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram, which is expected to be on 16th July 2024 this year. This is subject to change depending on the sighting of the moon.
What events does the day of Ashura commemorate Islamic history?
The Day of Ashura is significant for several reasons, stemming from various historical and religious events.
1.Victory of Prophet Musa Over Pharaoh:
Upon arriving in Medina, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) observed that the Jews fasted on Ashura, commemorating the day when Moses (Musa) and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh by God’s intervention. This event is significant as it marks the day when Allah commanded Moses to strike the Red Sea with his staff, parting it and allowing the Israelites to escape from Pharaoh. Recognizing the importance of this event, the Prophet said, “You (Muslims) have more right to celebrate Moses’ victory than they have, so observe the fast on this day” (Sahih Al-Bukhari).
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
- Pre-Islamic Observance:
- Fasting on Ashura predates Islam, as the Quraysh tribe also observed this fast. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated, “During the pre-Islamic Era of Ignorance (Jahiliyya), the Quraysh used to observe fasting on the Day of Ashura, and the Prophet 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” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
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.
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.
- Prophet Noah (Nuh):
Some traditions, although weak, suggest that Ashura is also the day when Prophet Noah’s (Nuh) ark settled on Mount Judi, and he fasted in gratitude to Allah (Musnad Ahmad).
- The Martyrdom of Imam Hussein (Imam Hussein)
Later in Islamic history, Ashura became associated with the martyrdom of Imam Husayn, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), at the Battle of Karbala. His stand against tyranny and injustice is remembered by all Muslim communities
Altogether, these events illustrate to us the historical 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.
Don't forget to fast on 9th and 10th of Muharram or 10th and 11th of the Muharram to gain blessing and forgiveness from Allah(swt). As these events continue to be a powerful source of inspiration for Muslims and others around the world, serving as a timeless reminder of the values of courage, integrity, and resilience in the face of oppression. Donate along with fasting- to increase in good deeds on this blessed day.
