Day of Ashura: 10th Muharram, Historical Significance, Activities, Quotes and Wishes
Ashura is a religiously important day in Islam. According to the Islamic calendar, the tenth day of Muharram is called Ashura. This is an important day for the followers of Islam. According to the Sunni tradition, the Jews used to observe the fast of Ashura to commemorate the victory of Moses. Shiites, however, reject the pre-history of Ashura and observe Ashura in remembrance of the tragic events of Karbala.
This day is celebrated quite formally by Shia Muslims. On this occasion, they organized various processions, mourning, and mourning ceremonies. In Shia-majority areas, these events are eye-catching. Such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Bahrain. However, there are different views about Ashura in Sunni society.
The Historical Significance of Ashura
According to popular belief, Ashura is a day of mourning because Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, was brutally martyred on this day. [2] But this day is important in the history of Islam for various reasons. It is said that the heavens and the earth were created on this day. On this day the first man on earth, Adam, was created. On this day, Allah has given shelter to the prophets from their enemies.
On this day, Pharaoh, the enemy of Prophet Moses, was drowned in the Nile River. Noah’s installment was saved from the flood and he anchored Judy at the top of the mountain. On this day David’s repentance was accepted, Abraham was saved from the fiery furnace of Nimrod; Job was healed and cured of an incurable disease; On this day, Allah has raised Isa to the heavens. However, according to different sources, it is not known from reliable sources that many of the events took place on this day. Although there are differences of opinion on this issue.
Date of ASHURA in the Year 2024
The day of Ashura is on the 10th of Muharram — the first month of the Islamic calendar. The day holds great religious and historical significance for Muslims. This year 10th Muharram will be on 29 July, Saturday 2024.
How Muslim World Observe This Day
From London and New York to Melbourne and Lahore, thousands participate in Ashura processions, remembering and reenacting the Battle of Karbala. A white horse walks in the streets, symbolizing the return of Hussein’s horse to the camp without a passenger after the martyrdom of its owner.
Shiite Muslims from all over the world go on a pilgrimage to Iraq on the day of Ashura to see the shrines of Hussein and his brother Abbas. Today is a dark day in Islamic history, as believers mourn the death of Hussein in the Battle of Karbala. This day is also tragic for the Muslims of the Sunni sect, who honor them with fasting and prayer.
Speeches are given and the life and principles of Al-Hussein are narrated. The history and tragedy of the battle is re-enacted and emotional plays are staged. Some loyal followers also practice self-flagellation. Because it is a day of mourning, men and women wear black clothes.
Two Common Activities of this day
- Mourn
On this day, Shi’a Muslims wear mourning attire, while some make pilgrimages to the shrine in Karbala, Iraq. Observances include offering respect and mourning the passing of Husayn. Parties, music, and weddings are banned during this sad time.
2. Fast
For Sunni Muslims, Ashura is a time for fasting to show gratitude for the victory God gave to Moses. It commemorates the day when Allah created a path in the Red Sea and saved Moses and his followers.
Things To Learn About Ashura
- The Prophet would fast on this day even before Prophethood
- Prophet Nuh’s Ark came to rest on Mount Judi on this day
- Prophet Musa and his people were saved on this day
- Ashura occurs in September, one of the four sacred months of Islam.
- The date for Ashura remains the same (the 10th day of Muharram) in the Islamic calendar but changes every year for people who follow the Gregorian calendar.
- Some believe that a day’s fast on Ashura purges all the sins of the previous year.
- Self-flagellation is practiced by many Muslims (mainly Shi’a men) in some parts of the world in remembrance of the sacrifice of Husayn.
WHY ASHURA IS IMPORTANT
- It’s one of the holiest days of observance for Muslims
- A quarter of the world’s population practices Islam. On the holy day of Ashura, Muslims consider all the ways to improve and grow stronger in their faith, thereby earning more blessings.
- It focuses on selflessness and love for humanity
- The moral teachings of Husayn come alive through the holy practices during Muharram. Through fasting or mourning, people remember the sacrifice of Husayn, and how his blood at the Battle of Karbala revived humanity and restored moral values.
- It celebrates the victory of good over evil
- Like many other religions, Islamic teachings affirm that good always conquers evil. During Ashura, Muslims remember how Husayn rose against oppression and all that was evil.
Day of Ashura Quotes, Wishes, and Messages
“Ashura is the day when Allah saved Musa (Peace Be Upon Him) from pharaoh and indeed it is a big day and we should fast on the day of Ashura.”
Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said: “Fast on the day of Ashura, for indeed I anticipate that Allah will forgive the sins of the year before it.”- [Tirmidhi 752]
“It is sunnah to fast on the day of Ashura so don’t forget to fast on the day of Ashura.”
“Fasting on the day of Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year.”
“The day of Ashura is the day of remembering victory of truth over falsehood, fasting, repentance, and doing good deeds.”
“May all the praises and thanks be to Allah. To whom belongs all that is in heavens & in the Earth. Have a blessed Muharram!”
