The Islamic year consists of twelve months. Since the Islamic months are calculated based on the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina, it is called the Hijri year. Its first month is Muharram, and its final month is Dhul-Hijjah.
It was in the month of Muharram that Imam Hussain (RA), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was martyred (Shahid) in Karbala; and the ultimate sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) took place in the month of Dhul-Hijjah.
Thus, the Hijri year begins with sacrifice in its first month and concludes with sacrifice in its last month. That is, it starts with Muharram and ends with Dhul-Hijjah.
- The day Prophet Ibrahim (AS) prepared to sacrifice his son was the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah.
- The day Imam Hussain (RA) was martyred in Karbala was the 10th of Muharram.
The Arabic word ‘Ashura’ means ‘the tenth’. Based on this, the tenth day of the month of Muharram is known as the ‘Day of Ashura’. The month of Muharram holds a special and sacred significance in the sight of Allah.
Hadith on the Virtue of Fasting: The Prophet’s companion Abu Qatadah (RA) narrated: When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was asked about fasting on the day of Ashura, he replied, “It expiates the sins of the preceding year.”
Significant Historical Events on the 10th of Muharram (Day of Ashura)
- Prophet Ibrahim (AS): It was on this day that King Nimrod threw Prophet Ibrahim (AS) into a massive pit of fire, which Allah miraculously turned into a peaceful and safe coolness.
- Prophet Musa (AS): When Prophet Musa (AS) and his people were pursued by Pharaoh (the King of Egypt), the Nile River split into twelve paths on this day, saving Prophet Musa (AS) and drowning Pharaoh. As a token of gratitude to God, Prophet Musa (AS) fasted on the 10th of Muharram.
- Prophet Yunus (AS): On this day, Prophet Yunus (AS) was released from the belly of the whale after being swallowed and remaining inside for forty days.
- Prophet Ayyub (AS): It was on this day that Prophet Ayyub (AS) was cured and completely recovered from the severe trials of his prolonged illness.
- Prophet Sulaiman (AS): On this day, Prophet Sulaiman (AS) regained his lost kingdom and his sacred signet ring.
- Prophet Zakariya (AS): Prophet Yahya (AS) was born as a blessed son to Prophet Zakariya (AS) on this day.
- The Universe: The creation of the world took place on the day of Ashura, and the ultimate destruction of the world (The Day of Judgment) will also occur on a Friday that falls on the day of Ashura.
- Imam Hussain (RA): The beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Imam Hussain (RA), attained martyrdom on this very 10th day of Muharram at Karbala in Iraq.
Worship and Practices on Ashura
Ibn Abbas (RA) stated that whoever stays awake worshipping (Ibadah) on the eve of Ashura and fasts during the day will receive the reward equivalent to sixty years of worship.
Furthermore, Imam Ghazali (RA) highlighted in his renowned work Ihya (Ihya Ulum al-Din) that one should enliven both the night and the day of Ashura by engaging in abundant voluntary (Nafal) prayers and worship.
The Context behind the Fast
When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated from Mecca to Medina, he observed the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura (10th of Muharram). He asked them, “What is the significance of this day?”
The Jews replied, “This is the day Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemies. Prophet Musa (AS) fasted on this day out of gratitude.” Upon hearing this, the Prophet (PBUH) said, “I have more right over Musa than you do.” He then fasted on that day and instructed the Muslims to fast as well.
— Sahih al-Bukhari
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended fasting for two consecutive days: either the 9th and 10th, or the 10th and 11th of Muharram. Therefore, fasting for two days (9 & 10 or 10 & 11) during this month is a highly encouraged Sunnah (prophetic tradition).
Generosity to Family
The Prophet’s companion Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (RA) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Whoever spends generously upon his family on the day of Ashura, Allah will expand his sustenance and grant him financial abundance throughout the entire year.”
