Ashura: Meaning, History, and Significance in Islam
Introduction
Ashura is one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar. It falls on the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Hijri year. The word Ashura itself comes from the Arabic word ‘Asharah’ which means “ten,” referring to the 10th day.
Muslims around the world remember Ashura with fasting, reflection, and remembrance of significant events that took place on this blessed day. To understand Ashura deeply, it’s essential to explore its meaning, history, and guidance from the Quran and Hadith.
What is Ashura?
Ashura refers to the 10th day of Muharram. It is a day with historical, religious, and spiritual importance for Muslims. It is a day of gratitude, patience, and remembrance of Allah’s mercy and power.
Both Sunni and Shia Muslims mark this day, though in different ways. For Sunnis, Ashura is associated with fasting in gratitude to Allah for saving Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) and his people from Pharaoh. For Shias, it is a day of mourning and remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), in the Battle of Karbala.
The Meaning of Ashura
The literal meaning of Ashura is “the tenth”. It highlights the date rather than the event itself, but over time, it has become strongly linked to the events of deliverance, sacrifice, and faith that occurred on this day.
The Significance of Ashura in Islam
1. Allah’s Mercy on Prophet Musa (AS) and Bani Israel
On the 10th of Muharram, Allah saved Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers from Pharaoh and his army by parting the Red Sea. When Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) heard this, he encouraged Muslims to fast in gratitude.
Hadith: Ibn Abbas (RA) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said,
“We are closer to Musa than they are.” So he fasted on Ashura and commanded the Muslims to fast.
(Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
2. Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA)
For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a day of grief and remembrance. It marks the tragic martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala in 61 AH (680 CE). Imam Hussain (RA) stood against tyranny and injustice, setting an example of sacrifice, courage, and steadfastness in faith.
3. Fasting on Ashura
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“For fasting the day of Ashura, I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the previous year.”
(Sahih Muslim)
This shows the great reward and mercy of Allah attached to fasting on Ashura.
Ashura in the Quran and Hadith
While the Quran does not specifically mention the word Ashura, it refers to the story of Prophet Musa (AS) and Pharaoh:
- Quran (Surah Ash-Shu’ara, 26:65-66):
“Then We saved Moses and those with him, all together. Then We drowned the others.”
Hadith, however, gives direct guidance:
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Sahih Bukhari: The Prophet (ﷺ) observed fasting on Ashura and commanded others to do so.
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Sahih Muslim: The Prophet (ﷺ) advised fasting on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram to differ from the Jewish tradition.
How to Observe Ashura
Muslims can observe Ashura in the following ways:
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Fasting – Fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram (or 10th and 11th).
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Making Dua – Asking Allah for forgiveness, blessings, and mercy.
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Charity and Good Deeds – Helping the poor, feeding the hungry, or supporting someone in need.
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Reflection – Remembering the sacrifices of the Prophets and righteous people.
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Avoiding Innovations – Observing Ashura in accordance with the Sunnah.
Recommended Dua for Ashura
There is no specific dua authentically prescribed for Ashura, but one can make general duas for forgiveness, mercy, and guidance. A simple example is:
“Allahumma aj‘alhu ‘alayya yawman barakatin wa maghfirah.”
(O Allah, make this day a day of blessings and forgiveness for me.)
You can also recite common duas of forgiveness such as:
“Astaghfirullaha Rabbi min kulli dhambin wa atubu ilayh.”
(I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, from every sin, and I repent to Him.)
Ashura in Sunni and Shia Traditions
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Sunni Perspective: Fasting, prayer, and remembering Allah’s mercy.
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Shia Perspective: Mourning the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) through processions, gatherings, and reflection on his stand for justice.
Despite differences, both traditions highlight Ashura as a day of deep faith and strong lessons.
Life Lessons from Ashura
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Gratitude to Allah – For His protection and mercy.
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Sacrifice for Truth – From Imam Hussain’s (RA) example.
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Patience in Trials – From Prophet Musa’s (AS) struggle.
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Unity of Faith – Remembering that Ashura reminds us of the power of belief and submission to Allah.
Connecting Ashura with Quran Learning
To truly understand the importance of Ashura and other events in Islamic history, one must connect with the Quran and Sunnah. At our academy, we provide one-on-one online Quran classes for kids and adults. Our experienced tutors not only teach Quran recitation and memorization but also explain Islamic beliefs, Seerah, and events like Ashura in a simple and interactive way.
If you want yourself or your children to gain a deeper understanding of Islam along with learning the Quran, you can join our flexible online classes today.
FAQs About Ashura
Q1: Is fasting on Ashura obligatory?
No, fasting on Ashura is highly recommended (Sunnah) but not obligatory.
Q2: Can we fast only on the 10th of Muharram?
It is better to fast on the 9th and 10th (or 10th and 11th) together, but fasting only on the 10th is also valid.
Q3: Is there a specific prayer for Ashura?
No specific prayer has been authentically narrated. Muslims should pray general prayers, recite Quran, and make duas.
Q4: What happened on Ashura besides Imam Hussain’s (RA) martyrdom?
Other significant events include:
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Allah saving Musa (AS) from Pharaoh.
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Prophet Nuh’s (AS) Ark coming to rest on Mount Judi (as mentioned in historical narrations).
Q5: Do Shia and Sunni Muslims observe Ashura the same way?
No, Sunnis mainly fast and pray, while Shias focus on mourning and remembering Imam Hussain (RA).
Q6: Can children fast on Ashura?
Yes, if they are capable, but it is not obligatory for them until they reach maturity.
Conclusion
Ashura is a day that teaches us gratitude, patience, sacrifice, and remembrance of Allah’s mercy. Whether through fasting, dua, or reflection, Muslims are encouraged to draw closer to Allah on this blessed day. By understanding the Quran and Sunnah, we can connect deeply with the spirit of Ashura and apply its lessons in our daily lives.
