"Ashura'The 10th of Muharram"

Ashura: The 10th of Muharram

A Day of Reflection, Remembrance, and Reverence

Introduction:

The Islamic calendar is replete with sacred months and spiritually significant days, but among them, Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, holds a place of profound importance. Ashura, derived from the Arabic word Asharah, meaning ten, is a day that resonates deeply across the Muslim world. While its significance varies between Islamic sects, it remains universally acknowledged as a day marked by faith, sacrifice, and reflection.

This blog aims to explore Ashura from historical, religious, and cultural perspectives, touching upon its origin in Islamic tradition, its historical importance, and how it is observed across the Muslim world.

Muharram: The Sacred Month

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Qur’an:

“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah from the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred…”

(Surah At-Tawbah)

These sacred months  Dhul-Qadah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab are times when Muslims are encouraged to increase acts of worship and avoid sin. Among these, Muharram is second only to Ramadan in virtue, and its 10th day , Ashura  is particularly blessed.

Ashura in the Light of Islamic Tradition

Ashura in the Time of Prophet Musa (Moses) عليه السلام

One of the earliest known mentions of Ashura comes from the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and Pharaoh. According to Islamic tradition, it was on the 10th of Muharram that Allah saved Prophet Musa and the Israelites from Pharaoh’s tyranny by miraculously parting the Red Sea.

When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ migrated to Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on this day. Upon inquiry, he was told that this was a day of gratitude to Allah for the salvation granted to Prophet Musa عليه السلام. The Prophet ﷺ then said:

 “We are closer to Musa than they are.”

 (Sahih Bukhari)

He then encouraged the Muslims to fast on this day. This event signifies that Ashura was already a sacred day before the tragedy of Karbala, showing its multilayered significance.

The Sunnah of Fasting on Ashura

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ recommended fasting on Ashura as an act of devotion. He said:

"Fasting on the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it." 

(Sahih Muslim)

Later, the Prophet ﷺ encouraged fasting an extra day, either the 9th or the 11th of 

Muharram, to distinguish Islamic practice from that of the Jews. This became the Sunnah:

9th and 10th (Tasua and Ashura)

Or 10th and 11th

The Tragedy of Karbala: Ashura and Imam Hussain رضي الله عنه

Perhaps the most emotionally stirring and historically powerful association with Ashura is the Battle of Karbala, which occurred on 10th Muharram, 61 AH (680 CE).

Background of the Tragedy

After the death of Muawiyah, the leadership of the Muslim world passed to his son, Yazid. Many, including Imam Hussain ibn Ali, the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, refused to accept Yazid’s rule, deeming it unjust and un-Islamic.

Imam Hussain received calls from the people of Kufa (in modern-day Iraq), who invited him to lead them. He set out with his family and companions, but before reaching Kufa, his caravan was intercepted by Yazid’s army in the desert plains of Karbala.

The Martyrdom at Karbala

On the 10th of Muharram, Imam Hussain and his 72 companions, including men, women, and children, faced the brutality of an army numbering thousands. Denied water for three days, suffering hunger, thirst, and extreme heat, they still stood firm in their faith.

One by one, Imam Hussain’s companions and family members were martyred  including his six-month-old son, Ali Asghar. Finally, Imam Hussain himself was killed, his head severed and paraded through the streets. His body was left unburied under the scorching sun.

This massacre was not just a battle; it was a symbol of resistance against tyranny, of standing for truth despite overwhelming odds.

 “Every day is Ashura, every land is Karbala.”

 A famous saying reflecting that the spirit of standing against oppression is timeless.

Lessons from Ashura

1. Standing for Truth and Justice

Imam Hussain’s stand at Karbala teaches Muslims to never compromise on principles, even when faced with death. His sacrifice is a universal symbol of courage, justice, and spiritual steadfastness.

2. Patience and Sabr in Hardship

The patience shown by the women and children of Hussain’s family, especially Sayyida Zainab, is a lesson in endurance, courage, and faith in times of extreme hardship.

3. Importance of Moral Leadership

Ashura reminds Muslims to follow leaders of character, not those who seek power for worldly gains. It encourages critical thinking and ethical responsibility in society.

How Ashura is Observed Today

By Sunni Muslims

For most Sunnis, Ashura is observed as:

A day of fasting

Giving charity

Performing extra prayers

Thanking Allah for His mercy, especially as related to Prophet Musa عليه السلام

The day is seen as a time for reflection and repentance.

By Shia Muslims

For Shia Muslims, Ashura is the most sacred and sorrowful day of the year. It marks the mourning of Imam Hussain’s martyrdom.

Shia communities observe it through:

Majlis (gatherings): Religious sermons recounting the tragedy

Matam: Rhythmic chest-beating as a sign of grief

Processions: Public marches in remembrance

Taziya: Symbolic replicas of Imam Hussain’s tomb

Noha and Marsiya: Lamentations and elegies sung in remembrance

The mourning continues for 40 days, culminating in Arbaeen, which marks the end of the period of mourning.

Misconceptions and Clarifications

Some traditions associated with Ashura ,such as cooking special dishes, applying kohl, or bathing for blessings are cultural additions and are not supported by authentic Hadiths.

Additionally, self-harm practices during mourning, such as cutting or beating with chains, are discouraged or forbidden by many scholars, as Islam forbids causing harm to the body.

Ashura in Other Cultures

The remembrance of Ashura extends beyond Arab nations:

In Pakistan, India, and Iran, Ashura is marked by processions, street plays, and dramatic reenactments of Karbala.

In Iraq, millions gather in Karbala each year to commemorate Imam Hussain.

In Turkey, the day is commemorated with prayers and a traditional dessert called “Ashure” or “Noah’s Pudding.”

In North Africa, various customs exist including charitable acts and community gatherings.

Despite the different expressions of devotion, the central theme remains the same to honor sacrifice, truth and justice.

Ashura’s Universal Message

While rooted in Islamic history, Ashura’s message transcends time and religion. It appeals to anyone who cherishe

Faith under fire

Moral clarity

The triumph of the spirit over worldly power

It teaches that one righteous stand can awaken generations, and that truth does not need numbers-only sincerity and conviction.

Conclusion

Ashura is not merely a day in the Islamic calendar; it is a reminder of what it means to live with purpose and die with dignity. Whether one fasts in gratitude like the Prophet ﷺ or mourns like the family of Hussain رضي الله عنه, the day serves as a beacon of light for all Muslims- a day of remembrance, repentance, and renewal.

Let us use Ashura as an opportunity to:

Reflect on our own lives

Stand against injustice in any form

Reconnect with our faith

Teach future generations about the power of sacrifice for truth

Indeed, Ashura is a timeless lesson- not just of death and mourning, but of hope, resilience, and the eternal triumph of good over evil.

May Allah accept our efforts, grant us sincerity in our intentions, and help us follow the path of the righteous. Ameen.