In Islam, the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram is known as Ashura Day. For his followers, the Prophet Muhammad turned it into a virtuous deed and singled it out as a day for fasting. Additionally, he suggested fasting the day before and the day after. All of one’s faults from the preceding year are pardoned when one fasts. Additionally, it is a day designated for extra worship, charity, and visiting the sick.

It’s crucial to keep learning new things and deepening our comprehension of Islamic teachings as we explore the meaning of Ashura. Consider enrolling in one of our programs at Muslimi Academy or looking through our extensive course selection here to enhance your understanding and application of Islam.

Table of Contents

What does Ashura Day mean?

There are many significant events in sacred history that have taken place on Ashura day, chief among them the drowning of the Pharaoh and the deliverance of Moses and his companions. Additionally, it is stated that after the flood waters subsided, Noah’s Ark landed atop a mountain. Many Muslim cultures celebrate this day by preparing a filling but sweet stew made with hulled wheat and other components believed to have been left behind at the end of the Ark’s journey. During the years following the Prophet’s passing, his grandson Husayn was slain on Ashura; his sacrifice and his family’s high status are commemorated on this day.

If you want to comprehend the meaning of Ashura, you need to focus on the root in Arabic that originated in the word ” Asharah” which signifies the number ten in English.

Ashura Day (10th Muharram) commemorates significant historical events, including when Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh.
Observing the Jews fasting on this day, the Prophet (peace be upon him) recommended that Muslims also fast on Ashura. He also said: “We are closer to Musa than you are” and advised Muslims to fast either for three days (ninth, tenth, and eleventh); two days (ninth and tenth); or just Ashura Day itself (Bukhari).

The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said, “Fasting on Ashura Day expiates the sins of the previous year” (Muslim).

Ashura day is a blessed occasion in Islam because it commemorates the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hussein ibn Ali, and his family and friends at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.

What are the historical and religious background of Ashura Day?

In Islam, Ashura holds immense importance, particularly for Sunni Muslims. As described in the Quran, it commemorates the day that Allah saved the Israelites and Prophet Musa (Moses) from Pharaoh. This historical incident demonstrates the strength of faith and Allah’s benevolence.

The history of Ashura dates back to the Prophet Musa’s age. In accordance with Islamic custom, the Jews observed a fast on this day to remember Musa and the Israelites’ deliverance when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) arrived in Madinah and mentioned that Muslims had a higher right to Musa than Jews who subsequently declared that Muslims should fast on this day as well.

Ashura has religious significance that goes beyond historical background. On this day, people ponder, confess their sins, and reaffirm their faith. Fasting on Ashura is strongly advised in order to atone for the sins of the previous year. This behavior is in accordance with the Sunnah and shows a dedication to upholding the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Ashura Day Fasting

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encourages Muslims to fast on the Day of 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.
Hadith | Sahih al-Bukhari.

The Reason for Fasting the 9th of Muharram

Islam’s scholars advise fasting on the ninth day of Muharram in addition to the tenth day (Ashura), according to the following Hadith.

When the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed the people to fast on Ashura Day, they responded, “O Messenger of Allah, this is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.”The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated, “Next year if Allah wills, we will fast on the ninth day.” Nevertheless, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) had already died by the following year. (Muslim). So, the Prophet (PBUH) desired to deviate from the People of the Book by fasting on the ninth.

Why do scholars recommend fasting on the 11th of Muharram?

It was also suggested by some scholars that people fast on the eleventh day of Muharram. A person might do this to make sure they catch the 10th of Muharram, or they might do it if they miss the 9th. Consequently, fasting is virtuous if you fast:

just Ashura Day
or to fast on the ninth and tenth
or on the tenth and eleventh
The ninth, tenth, and eleventh days of Muharram as some scholars recommend. You can do any one of these options.

What are The Advantages of Fasting

Fasting during Ashura has many advantages. It offers a chance for spiritual development, develops self-control and discipline, and promotes empathy for others who are less fortunate. It is also a way to have great blessings from Allah.

How to Commemorate Ashura Day

You can perform numerous good activities that will yield significant blessings on the auspicious Ashura Day, in addition to fasting, which is one of the most moral things you can do.

On the Day of Ashura, it’s also critical to practice additional acts of worship, such as reading more of the Qur’an, greeting the Prophet (PBUH), and doing optional prayers called naffal. It is also an excellent moment to consider the major events that occurred on the Day of Ashura and to learn valuable lessons from them that can benefit us in our daily lives, such as trusting Allah’s ability to provide for us when we are in need.

As prophet Muhammed (PBUH) stated that ‘’one who generously spends on his family on the Ashura Day, Allah (SWT) will be generous to him for the entire year (Baihaqi)

Zakat or Sadaqah is a fundamental pillar in Islam that ensures helping other Muslim brothers and sisters who are suffering worldwide. Therefore, it is one of the most virtuous ways to commemorate Ashura Day.

Does Ashura have a different meaning for Muslims?

In addition to commemorating the death of Imam Hussain and his companions, Ashura is a moment for Sunni Muslims to remember the day that Allah (SWT) delivered the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh and his pursuing army.

According to the Sunnah, Ashura is about more than only fasting; it’s also about comprehending its more profound spiritual significance. The significance of commemorating this day with sincerity and devotion is emphasized in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Adhering to the Sunnah
In addition to fasting, Muslims should perform other acts of devotion including more prayer, reciting the Quran, and charitable giving in order to adhere to the Sunnah. These rituals support the prophetic tradition and amplify Ashura’s spiritual advantages.

Conclusion

In Islam, Ashura holds great spiritual significance, particularly for Sunnis. Muslims become closer to Allah by fasting and performing other acts of piety on this day, which also atones for past sins. Muslims can recognize Ashura’s significance and work to live up to the prophets’ examples of faith and devotion by knowing its historical and religious background.

Keep in mind that you can improve your understanding and application of Islam by utilizing our resources. Enroll in Muslimi Academy‘s programs or go over our courses here. Let Ashura serve as a reminder to us of the strength of our faith.

We can achieve spiritual rejuvenation through observing the Sunnah and participating in meaningful worship. May Allah forgive us and accept our fasts.