Commemorated on the 10th day of Muharram, Ashura is one of the most sacred days for Muslims worldwide. According to Islamic history, several important events took place on the day of Ashura. We will discuss few of them in this article.
Rooted in the Syro-Arabian languages, the word Ashura means “tenth” or, in simpler words, “the tenth day” (10th Muharram). Also known as the “Day of Remembrance”, Ashura is the tenth most important day Allah (SWT) has blessed us with. From the miracle of Prophet Musa (RA) to the heartbreaking incident of Karbala. Some of the most important historical events took place on this day. However, Every year, Muslims observe fasts, pay Sadaqah, and try to be generous human beings in the month of Muharram.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has recommended his followers (Muslim Ummah) to observe fast on the 10th of Muharram. Though it’s not mandatory, the reward of fasting on Ashura is second to fasting in Ramadan. Moreover, It is believed that fasting on this day offers spiritual redemption and allows you to wipe your slate clean of minor sins.
History of Incidents Happened on 10th Muharram
Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) stated the following regarding Ashura. On the Day of Ashura Allah (swt) created the seven heavens, seas, mountains, the pen, Lawh-I Mahfuz (the preserved table), the stars, the Kursi, Angel Gabriel, and the other angels. Moreover, the first rain fell from the sky on the Day of Ashura.
On the 10th Muharram, following incidents happen as well
- Allah be stowed Prophet Moses the miracle of splitting the Red Sea, saved him with his people and flooded the Pharaoh and his soldiers.
- Prophet Nuh’s arc landed on Mount Judi.
- Prophet Yunus (Jonah) got out of the belly of the fish.
- Allah (swt) accepted Prophet Adam’s repentance on Ashura.
- Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) came out of the well that he was thrown.
- Prophet Isa (Jesus) was born on Ashura and and ascended to the heaven on Ashura, as well.
- Prophet Dawood’s (David) repentance was accepted.
- Prophet Abraham was born.
- Prophet Yaqub (Jacop)’s eyesight, which he had lost years ago was restored.
- 10 Ayni (ra) states that:” Some people mention Idris (Enoch), Ayyub (Job) and Suleiman (Solomon) amongst the ten prophets because Idrıs assented to the heaven on that day. Ayyub recovered from his illness and Suleiman was bestowed wealth. (Sahih Muslim)
- Moreover, According to scripture, Doom’s Day (Qayamah) will be held on the 10th of Muharram on Friday.
The Saddest Incident
Another reason that makes Ashura remarkable in Islam is that it is the day when Husayn (ra), the blessed grandson of Prophet Muhammad and the master of the youth of heaven, was martyrized. Husayn (ra) and his companions opposed Yazid’s tyranny and in consequence, by the command of Yazid, they were martyrized atrociously in Karbala on the 10th of Muharram in Hijri 61 (10 October 680)
Allah (swt) bestowed high ranks to these blessed martyrs who sacrificed themselves for the sake of the Islamic truths they lived and defended. Through martyrdom, They attained such an otherworldly and magnificent rank that no worldly royalty could reach. Moreover, the family of the Prophet (Al-i Beyt), who went through such suffering times, performed the task of carrying the banners of the Quran to the ummah every century and became the spiritual sultans. May Allah be pleased with them all.
Ashura is the holiest day in the Hijri Calendar. It was the day when some of the most historical and life-changing events such as the miracle of Musa (AS), the battle event of Karbala took place. Even the Ark of Nuh (AS) reached its destination. On several occasions throughout his life, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised his Ummah to fast and give charity on the 10th of Muharram. Allah (SWT) has asked Muslims to seek forgiveness and do good deeds on the day of Ashura.