Ashura, the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, holds a deep spiritual, historical, and emotional significance for Muslims around the world. It is a day remembered not only for the fasting prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ but also for the ultimate sacrifice made by Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه), the beloved grandson of the Prophet ﷺ, during the tragic event of Karbala. This day is a powerful reminder of truth, justice, and standing firm against tyranny and oppression.
In the early years of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself observed the fast of Ashura and encouraged his companions to do so. Later, when fasting during the month of Ramadan was made obligatory, fasting on Ashura became voluntary but highly recommended.
Historical Background of Ashura
Fasting on Ashura Before Islam
Ashura was a known and respected day even before the advent of Islam. It is reported that the Jews of Madinah used to fast on this day in commemoration of the day Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) saved Prophet Musa (عليه السلام) and the Children of Israel from the tyranny of Pharaoh.
When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ migrated to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on Ashura, he said:
“We are more entitled to Musa than you.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
He then fasted on this day and instructed his followers to do the same.
The Prophet’s ﷺ Recommendation
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged Muslims to fast on the 10th of Muharram and also advised them to fast on the 9th to distinguish the Islamic practice from that of the Jews. He said:
"Fast the day of Ashura and differ from the Jews by fasting a day before it or a day after it."
(Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 2154)
This shows how the Prophet ﷺ gave importance to this day, not only due to its historical relevance but also as a spiritual act of devotion.
The Tragedy of Karbala
While Ashura was already significant in Islam, it gained an even deeper layer of meaning after the Battle of Karbala in 61 AH (680 CE), during the reign of the Umayyad caliph Yazid.
Who Was Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه)?
Imam Hussain ibn Ali (رضي الله عنه) was the grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the son of Fatimah (رضي الله عنها) and Ali ibn Abi Talib (رضي الله عنه). Known for his piety, courage, and devotion to Islam, Imam Hussain stood against the tyranny and injustice of Yazid, who had assumed the caliphate through force and corruption.
What Happened at Karbala?
Imam Hussain (RA), along with his family and a small group of companions, was brutally martyred in Karbala, present-day Iraq, on the 10th of Muharram. His refusal to pledge allegiance to Yazid was not based on politics, but on principle — he could not accept a ruler who did not uphold the teachings of Islam.
Despite being surrounded, outnumbered, and deprived of water for days, Imam Hussain and his companions remained firm in their faith and gave their lives for the truth.
"Every day is Ashura and every land is Karbala."
This famous saying encapsulates the universal lesson of standing up against injustice.
Sunni and Shia Perspectives on Ashura
Sunni Observance
Sunni Muslims observe Ashura primarily as a day of fasting and reflection. It is a day to remember the deliverance of Musa (AS) and the recommendation of the Prophet ﷺ to fast. Sunni scholars also recognize and mourn the tragedy of Karbala but focus on lessons of patience, justice, and moral courage.
Many also engage in acts of worship such as:
- Fasting
- Giving charity
- Extra salah (prayers)
- Reflecting on the lives of righteous predecessors
Shia Observance
For Shia Muslims, Ashura is the most solemn day of mourning in the Islamic calendar. The day is marked with:
- Majalis (gatherings) to recount the tragedy of Karbala
- Matam (ritual expressions of grief)
- Public processions
- Poetry and eulogies in remembrance of Imam Hussain and his companions
Ashura is the culmination of 10 days of mourning, and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain is seen not just as a historical event, but as a timeless symbol of resistance to injustice.
Lessons from Ashura
Ashura teaches Muslims valuable lessons that are deeply rooted in Islamic principles:
1. Standing for Truth and Justice
Imam Hussain’s stand at Karbala was not for power, but for the preservation of the deen (religion). He stood against corruption and oppression even at the cost of his life.
“The best jihad is speaking a word of truth to an oppressive ruler.” (Sunan Abi Dawood)
2. Patience and Perseverance
The suffering endured by Hussain (RA) and his family shows the highest degree of sabr (patience). Even in extreme hardship, they remained steadfast.
3. Sacrifice for the Sake of Allah
The story of Karbala reflects the spirit of ultimate sacrifice. It inspires believers to live a life of commitment to Allah’s commands.
4. Unity and Compassion
While Sunni and Shia Muslims differ in how they observe Ashura, the core message of Karbala resisting oppression and upholding righteousness is a shared legacy that can foster unity.
Recommended Acts on the Day of Ashura
According to authentic hadiths, some virtuous deeds to perform on Ashura include:
Fasting
It is highly recommended to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram (or the 10th and 11th if one misses the 9th).
"Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate thereby (the sins of) the year that came before it."
(Sahih Muslim)
Giving Charity
Helping the poor and feeding others on Ashura is a noble deed. Some scholars note the tradition of increasing sustenance on this day.
“Whoever generously spends on his family on the day of Ashura, Allah will be generous to him for the entire year.” (Bayhaqi)
Dua and Dhikr
Make dua (supplication), remember Allah (dhikr), and seek forgiveness. It is a day when Allah’s mercy is immense.
Common Misconceptions about Ashura
It is important to avoid innovations (bid’ah) or superstitions associated with Ashura. These include:
- Bathing for special blessings
- Applying kohl as a ritual
- Treating Ashura as a day of festival and celebration
The companions of the Prophet ﷺ and the early generations focused on worship, reflection, and remembrance, not rituals without basis in the Sunnah.
Ashura is a day rich with spiritual depth, historical importance, and moral lessons. It reminds us of Allah’s mercy through the story of Musa (AS) and calls our hearts to reflect on the immense sacrifice of Imam Hussain (RA). Whether one fasts, prays, gives charity, or remembers the events of Karbala, the ultimate goal of Ashura is to renew our commitment to truth, justice, and the path of righteousness.
May Allah grant us the ability to follow in the footsteps of His Prophets and the righteous, and may He make us among those who stand firm in faith, no matter the trials.
Ameen.
