There are certain days in the Islamic calendar that hold more virtue than others, and one such day is the 10th of Muharram, known as the Day of Ashura. This significant day falls in the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Meaning of Ashura
The word Ashura is derived from the Arabic word "Asharah," which means ten. It marks the 10th day of Muharram.
Historical Events
The Day of Ashura commemorates several historical events, including the day when Prophet Moses (Musa) and the Israelites were saved from the tyranny of Pharaoh in Egypt. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) observed the Jews fasting on this day to commemorate their deliverance and recommended Muslims to also fast, stating, “We are closer to Musa than you are.”
He advised Muslims to fast on Ashura in various combinations: either for three days (ninth, tenth, and eleventh), two days (ninth and tenth), or just the day of Ashura itself.
Significance in Islam
Ashura is also a solemn occasion in Islam, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, along with his family members and companions, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.
When is the Day of Ashura 2024?
The Day of Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram, which is expected to be on 16th July 2024 in the UK. This date may change depending on the sighting of the moon.
History and Significance of the Day of Ashura
The Battle of Karbala
The Battle of Karbala, a significant event in Islamic history, took place in Iraq in Muharram 61 AH. It was fought between the small army of Imam Hussein (AS), the grandson of the Prophet (PBUH), and a much larger army sent by Yazid ibn Muawiyah, the Umayyad Caliph.
Imam Hussein (AS) refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid, who was tyrannical and had assumed Muslim leadership after his father’s death. On the 10th Muharram, Imam Hussein (AS) was martyred. This day is significant as Imam Hussein (AS) and 72 other martyrs, mainly family members of the Prophet (PBUH), sacrificed their lives to stand against oppression and preserve Islam.
The Story of Musa
On the Day of Ashura, Allah saved Prophet Musa (AS) and the Israelites from Pharaoh’s tyranny. Pharaoh declared himself God and spread blasphemy. Prophet Musa (AS) refused to follow Pharaoh and encouraged him to worship Allah. On Ashura, as Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers were being chased by Pharaoh’s army, Allah parted the Red Sea, allowing them to pass safely and drowning Pharaoh and his army.
The Quran recounts this event:
“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.” (Quran 26:63-66)
Other Prophets
The Day of Ashura is also significant for other prophets. Narrations suggest that on Ashura, Prophet Nuh (AS)’s ark landed on dry land after the flood. It was also the day Prophet Adam (AS) repented and was forgiven, and Prophet Yunus (AS) was released from the whale's belly.
Fasting on the Day of Ashura
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) encouraged Muslims to fast on Ashura:
"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." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Why Fast on Ashura?
The Prophet (PBUH) recommended fasting on Ashura to commemorate the historical events and to gain spiritual rewards. The scholars of Islam consider it recommended to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram to differ from the People of the Book. If one cannot fast on the 9th, fasting on the 11th is also recommended.
Giving Sadaqah or Zakat on Ashura
Giving charity to help those in need is one of the most virtuous acts on Ashura. You can give your Sadaqah or Zakat with organizations like Islamic Relief.
Recommended actions for Ashura:
- Fast: Keep a fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, or the 10th and 11th.
- Read the Qur’an: Engage in recitation or Dhikr.
- Give Sadaqah: Help those in need and spend on your family.
- Increased Worship: Offer extra prayers and send salutations to the Prophet (PBUH).
As Abu Qatadah (RA) reported, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:
“It expiates [wipes out the minor sins of] the past year.” (Muslim)
By enhancing our understanding and observance of Ashura, we can draw closer to Allah (SWT) and earn His immense blessings. May we all benefit from the virtues of this sacred day.
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