Ashura falls on the 10th of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar. This day holds deep meaning for Muslims around the world. It is tied to both divine victory and human sacrifice.
Muslims remember it as the day Allah saved Prophet Musa (AS) from Pharaoh. It is also the day Imam Husayn ibn Ali (RA) was martyred at Karbala. These two moments make Ashura a day of reflection, gratitude, and spiritual strength.
Ashura and Prophet Musa (AS)
Long before Karbala, Ashura marked a moment of divine deliverance. On this day, Allah saved Musa (AS) and his people from Pharaoh’s army. The sea parted. The oppressors drowned. Justice prevailed.
When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ learned of this, he said:
“This is a day on which Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy, so Musa fasted on this day.”
— (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Out of gratitude, the Prophet ﷺ fasted on Ashura and encouraged his followers to do the same.
The Sunnah of Fasting on Ashura
The Prophet ﷺ not only fasted on Ashura but also advised the companions to fast on the 9th or 11th of Muharram along with it. This was to distinguish Muslim practice from that of the Jews.
Fasting on this day carries immense reward. According to authentic narrations:
“Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate (sins) thereby for the year that came before it.”
— (Sahih Muslim)
It’s a simple but powerful act—reflecting gratitude to Allah, honoring the struggles of His prophets, and seeking forgiveness.
The Martyrdom of Imam Husayn (RA)
On the 10th of Muharram in the year 61 AH, Imam Husayn ibn Ali (RA), the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, was martyred at Karbala. Alongside his family and companions, he stood firm against injustice, choosing death over dishonor.
Imam Husayn (RA) gave his life not for power or political gain, but to uphold the truth, protect the values of Islam, and resist moral corruption. His martyrdom became a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and spiritual integrity, echoing the Quranic message:
“Do not think of those who have been killed in the path of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.”
— (Qur’an 3:169)
Why Ashura Still Matters
Ashura is not just a historical remembrance, it is a living legacy. It calls on Muslims to reflect:
- Are we willing to stand up for truth, even when it’s difficult?
- Are we silent in the face of injustice, or do we follow the example of Husayn (RA)?
- Do we fast and reflect on Allah’s blessings, like Musa (AS) and the Prophet ﷺ taught us?
Ashura urges us to move beyond rituals and ask real questions about our values, our courage, and our unity as an Ummah.
Lessons for the Modern Muslim
Ashura offers timeless takeaways:
- Faith must lead to action: Whether it’s standing up against injustice or resisting inner corruption, our Islam is meant to be lived.
- Change begins within: Imam Husayn (RA) didn’t wait for others to act. He led with conviction—even in isolation.
- Gratitude is worship: Fasting isn’t just about hunger—it’s an act of remembering how Allah has always been with the oppressed.
Ashura is not a day of passive mourning; it is a day of active remembrance and renewal. From the shores of the Red Sea with Musa (AS) to the desert plains of Karbala with Imam Husayn (RA), it reminds us that the path of truth has always required sacrifice, sincerity, and steadfast faith.
As we fast and reflect, may we carry the spirit of Ashura into every day of our lives—living not just in remembrance of the past, but in commitment to a future shaped by faith, justice, and moral clarity.