Youm e Ashura, observed on the 10th day of Muharram ul Haram in the Islamic calendar, is a day of profound religious significance for Muslims across the world. This day holds deep and insightful meanings and is marked by various practices by all Muslim communities worldwide.
This article delves into the historical, religious, and cultural aspects of Ashura, exploring its rich heritage and lasting relevance in Islamic nations.
Let’s begin with Ashura meaning, shall we? Well, Ashura is derived from the Arabic word for "ten" and refers to the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. (That also answers the common question of “When is Ashura”)
Historically, it is a day that has witnessed several significant events. According to Islamic tradition, Ashura (or 10 Muharram) marks the day when Prophet Musa and the Bani Israel were saved from Fir’awn's tyranny by the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. This event is celebrated by fasting, which Prophet Muhammad صلَّی اللہ علیہ وسلَّم endorsed as an act of gratitude to Allah Almighty.
Moreover, this day was the day of ‘Eid for the Bani Isra’eel. It is narrated that Sayyiduna Musa would wear kattaan [fine linen] clothing and apply Ismid Kohl on the day of ‘Ashura. (Lataif-ul-Ma’arif, p. 57)
Apart from that, Ashura is most profoundly associated with the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali رضی اللہ عنہ, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad صلَّی اللہ علیہ وسلَّم, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Imam Hussain's رضی اللہ عنہ stand against the tyrannical rule of Yazid and his ultimate sacrifice is a defining moment in Islamic history, symbolizing the Islamic struggle against injustice and oppression.
Muharram ul Haram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is the month of extreme greatness and blessings, especially the 10th of this month, that is, Ashura day. This day has been given extraordinary importance in Islam. The Beloved Rasool صلَّی اللہ علیہ وسلَّم observed fast himself on this day and also commanded blessed companions رضی اللہ عنھم to observe fast on this day. (Derived from: Sahih Bukhari, vol. 1, pp. 656, Hadith 2004)
Even before Islam people would respect this day and would observe fast on this day. We should also fast on Ashura day (10th Muharram ul Haram) and should perform acts of worship abundantly.
Yazeed took the matters of the country in his hand in 60 AH and sent letters to all the areas for a pledge of allegiance [from people]. Governor of Madinah approached Imam Husain رضی اللہ عنہ but Imam Husain رضی اللہ عنہ, having seen the sinful acts and the cruelty of Yazeed, refused to pledge allegiance to Yazeed.
He [Yazeed] became the enemy of Sayyiduna Imam Husain رضی اللہ عنہ due to it. On the order of Yazeed, 22,000 soldiers of his army gathered in the plain of Karbala situated near Kufa to fight against only 72 companions of Sayyiduna Imam Husain رضی اللہ عنہ. In the incident of Karbala, the companions of Sayyiduna Imam Husain رضی اللہ عنہ kept embracing martyrdom in the path of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ one by one.
On Friday, 10 Muharram ul Haram 61 AH, Sayyiduna Imam Husain رضی اللہ عنہ embraced martyrdom, showing extreme courage and bravery while fighting for the truth but he رضی اللہ عنہ did not pledge allegiance to an unworthy person like Yazeed.
The story of Ashura offers numerous spiritual and moral lessons. The unwavering faith and resilience of Imam Hussain رضی اللہ عنہ in the face of tyranny inspire Muslims to stand up for justice and righteousness. The values of sacrifice, compassion, and steadfastness are universally relevant.
The month of Muharram ul Haram reminds us every year of the martyrs of Karbala and especially the maternal grandson of the Noble Messenger صلَّی اللہ علیہ وسلَّم, the leader of the martyrs, the lofty Imam, Sayyiduna Imam Husayn رضی اللہ عنہ, because on the 10 Muharram 61 AH, a great battle in the history of Islam took place between truth and falsehood, which is referred to as the account of Karbala.
The determined way of the martyrs of Karbala gave a great lesson to the people of truth to remain firm in front of evil and to sacrifice one’s life for the sake of Islam when needed.
If Sayyiduna Imam Husayn رضی اللہ عنہ pledged allegiance to Yazeed, then that entire army would have been at his feet, he would have been respected, treasures would have been given to him, and the wealth of the world would have been placed in his feet.
But the one whose heart is free from [the desire of] the world; rather, at whose service the world itself is, what would he want to do with the beauty of this world? Sayyiduna Imam Husayn رضی اللہ عنہ totally renounced the luxuries of this world and wholeheartedly welcomed the difficulties he faced in the path of truth.
Muslims across the world observe special rituals and dua e ashura to honor the Day of Ashura and virtues of Muharram. Read about the common rituals below.
According to Hadith about fasting on Ashura, the Beloved Rasool صلَّی اللہ علیہ وسلَّم has said: I hope from the mercy of Allah Almighty that the fast of Ashura erases the sins of one year before it. (Sahih Muslim, pp. 454, Hadees 2746)
Hakeem-ul-Ummat, Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan رحمۃ اللہ علیہ has stated: If a person fasts on the 9th and 10th of Muharram he will get immense reward. If a person cooks good foods for his family, blessings shall prevail in the house for the whole year. It is better to cook Khichra and to perform Fatihah for Sayyiduna Imam Husayn رضی اللہ عنہ (this has been proven to be very beneficial).
In addition to fasting in Muharram ul Haram, when the night of Ashura comes, perform this deed: Offer four Nafl on the Ashura night; in every Rak’at after Surah Al-Fatihah, recite Ayat-ul-Kursi 1 time and complete Surah Al-Ikhlas (قل ھو اللہ احد) 3 times.
After completing the Salah recite Surah Al-Ikhlas 100 times. By virtue of its blessing, you will be purified of sins and will get many great blessings in Paradise. (Jannati Zaywar, pp. 157, amended)
The history of Muharram teaches us to stand up for what’s right! Youm e Ashura is a day of profound historical and religious significance in Islam, marked by diverse practices and traditions.
Whether through fasting, prayer, or good deeds, Muslims around the world honor the memory of past events and draw inspiration from the values of faith, justice, and perseverance. As we remember Ashura, we are reminded of the enduring relevance of its lessons in our quest for a just and righteous life.
