Table of Contents
- What Does Ashura Mean?
- When is Ashura 2024?
- Why is the Day of Ashura Significant in Islam?
- History of Ashura
- What are the Good Deeds to Do on Ashura?
- Is Ashura Fasting Fard?
- Things to Avoid on Ashura
- FAQs about What is the Day of Ashura
- Final Words
Description:
Yom Ashura in 2024. Discover the historical significance, important events, and practices of fasting and mourning on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.
What Does Ashura Mean?
Ashura comes from the Arabic word ‘Ashara,’ meaning ten. Ashura refers to the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. The Day of Ashura is also called ‘Yawm al-Ashura.’
When is Ashura 2024?
Ashura is observed on the 10th of Muharram every year. In 2024, Ashura falls on July 16th. The exact date may vary depending on the region, as Islamic dates are based on moon sightings.
Why is the Day of Ashura Significant in Islam?
1. Ashura Falls in the Month of Muharram
Muharram is known as the ‘Month of Allah’ and is a sacred month in Islam.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned that Muharram is the ‘Month of Allah’. [Sahih Muslim]
Rajab, Muharram, Dhul Hijjah, and Dhul Qadah. Together, these four months are referred to as “Ashur E Hurum.”
Allah says in the Quran,
إِنَّ عِدَّةَ ٱلشُّهُورِ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا فِى كِتَـٰبِ ٱللَّهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ مِنْهَآ أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلْقَيِّمُ ۚ فَلَا تَظْلِمُوا۟ فِيهِنَّ أَنفُسَكُمْ ۚ وَقَـٰتِلُوا۟ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ كَآفَّةً كَمَا يُقَـٰتِلُونَكُمْ كَآفَّةً ۚ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ
“Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve—in Allah’s Record since the day He created the heavens and the earth—of which four are sacred. That is the Right Way. So do not wrong one another during these months. And together, fight the polytheists as they fight against you together. And know that Allah is with the righteous.” [Sura At-Taubah, 9: 36]
2. Significant Events on Ashura
Many important events occurred on Yom al-Ashura:
- Prophet Musa (AS) Saved: Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites from Pharaoh’s oppression.
- Prophet Nuh (AS): Prophet Nuh (Noah) and his followers were saved during the great flood.
- Imam Hussain’s Martyrdom: Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was martyred in the Battle of Karbala.
3. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Emphasized Ashura
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Fasting on the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate the sins of the past year.” [Sahih Muslim]
History of Ashura
a) Allah Blessed Prophet Nuh (AS) on Ashura
Prophet Nuh invited people to worship Allah for 950 years. Few believed, and Allah sent a devastating flood. The Ark landed on Mount Judiyy on Ashura, saving Nuh and his followers. [Tafsir Ibn Kathir]
b) Allah Saved Prophet Musa (AS) on Ashura
On Ashura, Allah freed Prophet Musa and the Israelites from Pharaoh. The sea parted, allowing their escape, and drowned Pharaoh’s army. [Sahih Muslim]
c) Ashura and Other Prophets
According to Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA), many prophets experienced significant events on Ashura:
- Adam (AS): Allah forgave his sin.
- Ibrahim (AS): Allah saved him from fire.
- Ayyub (AS): Allah restored his health and wealth.
- Sulayman (AS): Allah granted him a vast kingdom.
- Yunus (AS): Allah saved him from the whale.
- Isa (AS): Allah raised him to the heavens.
d) Martyrdom of Hussain Ibn Ali (R)
Hussain ibn Ali, grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was martyred on Ashura in the Battle of Karbala. He stood against the unjust caliph Yazid. Hussain’s martyrdom is a symbol of the fight against oppression.
What are the Good Deeds to Do on Ashura?
1. Fasting on Ashura
Fasting is the most significant act on Ashura. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that fasting on Ashura expiates the sins of the past year.
2. Reflection and Repentance
Use this day to think about your actions and ask Allah for forgiveness. Promise to do better in the future.
3. Charity
Giving to charity is encouraged. Help those in need, as acts of kindness are highly rewarded by Allah.
4. Prayer and Quran Recitation
Spend time in prayer and recite the Quran. Strengthen your connection with Allah through worship.
Is Ashura Fasting Fard?
Fasting on Ashura is not obligatory (fard) but highly recommended (mustahabb). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) fasted on this day and encouraged others to do the same. Fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram is a sunnah, meaning it is a recommended practice but not compulsory.
Things to Avoid on Ashura
- Wrong Practices: Avoid engaging in practices not endorsed by Islam, such as self-flagellation or harming oneself.
- Neglecting Fasting: While not obligatory, fasting on Ashura is a highly recommended act of worship.
- Ignoring the Significance: Do not overlook the historical and spiritual importance of Ashura.
FAQs about What is the Day of Ashura
Q: What is Ashura?
A: Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram, a significant day in Islam marked by fasting and remembrance of historical events.
Q: Why do Muslims fast on Ashura?
A: Muslims fast on Ashura to commemorate significant events, such as the rescue of Prophet Musa (Moses) and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain.
Q: Is fasting on Ashura obligatory?
A: No, fasting on Ashura is not obligatory but highly recommended.
Q: What happened in the Battle of Karbala?
A: The Battle of Karbala was a tragic event where Imam Hussain and his followers were martyred by the forces of Yazid.
Q: How do Shia Muslims observe Ashura?
A: Shia Muslims observe Ashura with mourning rituals, processions, and recounting the events of Karbala.
Yom Ashura is a day of deep spiritual significance for Muslims. It commemorates key events in Islamic history and offers an opportunity for fasting, reflection, and charity. As we observe Ashura in 2024, let us remember the lessons of faith, resilience, and justice that these days teach us. Engage in acts of worship and kindness, and honor the sacrifices made by prophets and pious individuals throughout history.