Ashura And Its Significance

What is Ashura?

Ashura is a significant day in the Islamic calendar, observed on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. In the year, there are some days that hold more importance than others, and Ashura is one of those days.

Ashura 2024

This year, Ashura 10^th of Muharram will be on July 16^th.

Why the 10th of Muharram is important

This day holds immense significance, as many important events in Islamic history took place on this day. Some of the most important events are:

On the Day of Ashura, it is believed that:

• Allah created the skies and the earth, along with the preserved tablet.
• Allah created Angel Jibril (Gabriel).
• Allah created Adam (AS) and Hawwa (AS).
• Allah created Jannah (Paradise).
• Allah enabled Adam (AS) to live in Jannah.
• The first rain to fall on earth occurred on Ashura.
• On the Day of Ashura, Allah caused Prophet Nuh’s (AS) ark to come to rest on dry land after the floodwaters receded.
• On the Day of Ashura, Allah parted the Red Sea to allow Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers to safely cross from Pharaoh and his army.

In the Quran, Allah SWT says:

“Then we instructed Moses, “Strike the sea with your staff,” and it parted, forming two large towering walls. We brought the pursuers forward and saved Moses and his followers. Then we drowned the pursuers. This is a sign, but most did not believe it. Indeed, your Lord is Mighty and Merciful.”

The Story of Muharram

Husayn (AS) was extremely close to the Prophet (SAW). As a child, he would climb on the Prophet’s back during prayer and was dearly loved by him. His brutal decapitation during the Battle of Karbala remains one of the most tragic events in Islamic history. The Battle of Karbala, which occurred in Muharram 61 AH, was fought in Iraq between the small army of Husayn (AS) and the much larger forces of Yazid ibn Muawiyah, the Umayyad Caliph. Husayn (AS) refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid, who had assumed leadership in a tyrannical manner after his father’s death. Husayn (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was martyred on Friday, the 10th of Muharram. He was killed in Karbala, along with sixteen members of his family and seventy-two of his followers. Before his martyrdom, Husayn (RA), his family, and his followers endured immense hardship. They were deprived of food and water for several days in the scorching fields of Karbala and suffered greatly at the hands of Yazid’s army. On the 10th of Muharram, Husayn (RA), along with his family and followers, were brutally killed by Yazid and his army. Their sacrifice stands as a powerful symbol against oppression and for the preservation of Islam. We pray that Allah rewards Hussain (RA) and his family immensely and grants them the highest status in Jannah.

Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) affection for Hussain (RA)

From numerous narrations, we get to know the deep affection the Prophet (SAW) had for his grandson.

According to Abu Hurayra, when Husayn (RA) was young, the Prophet held out his forearms and said:

“O al-Husayn! Climb up! Climb up!”

Husayn climbed until his feet were on the Prophet’s chest, and they were face to face. The Prophet kissed him fondly and prayed:

“O Allah! I love him. You too love him!” [Bukhari].

The Prophet (SAW) also said:

“Whoever loves me and these two, along with their mother and father, will be with me on the Day of Judgement.” [Tirmidhi].

The Prophet (SAW) also said:

“I am from al-Husayn, and al-Husayn is from me. Allah loves the one who loves Husayn.” [Tirmidhi]

Fasting on the day of Ashura

On the day of Ashura, Allah (SWT) saved Musa (AS) and his companions from Pharaoh and his army by splitting the Red Sea. Musa (AS) therefore started fasting on the day of Ashura to show gratitude to Allah (SWT) and thank Him. There, it is highly recommended to fast on this day.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Said:

“This is a great day when Allah saved Musa (AS) and his people and drowned Pharaoh and his people.” (Sahih Muslim)