The beginning of Islamic new year is the month of Muharram. Muharram marks the new beginning of Islamic year with its sacred and holy days. However, it is important for us to fill the days of Muharram with blessings to Allah Almighty.
Some muslims sometimes don’t realize the importance it is the month of Muharram for them, especially the Tenth day of Muharram or usually called Ashura. Therefore now we are going to find out importance of Ashura in Islam regarding to the backgrounds, the compulsory, etc.
- The most sacred day of the month
The tenth day of Muharram or usually called Ashura is the most sacred day of the month. Even it is believed to be the most sacred day of the islamic year. Thus, it is needed for us to spend the days of Muharram especially during Ashura, by doing good deeds like fasting for example.
“Lo! The number of months with Allah is twelve months by Allah’s ordinance in the day that He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are sacred: that is the right religion. So wrong not yourselves in them. And wage war on all of the idolaters as they are waging war on all of you. And know that Allah is with those who keep their duty (unto Him).” (Quran, 9:36)
2. The day of Battle Karbala
the Tenth day of Muharram or usually called Ashura is the day when Husayn the grandson of Prophet (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) died during the battle of Karbala. The battle itself lasted from morning to sunset on Muharram 10, 61 AH. The group of women, men, and children below the lead of Husayn was trapped and killed by a large number of army under the command of Umar ibn Sa’ad. near the river Euphrates.
3. The day when Moses and his people were saved from Pharaoh
The tenth day of Muharram or usually called Ashura is the day when Moses and his people crossed the red sea with his followers. The crossed the red sea with the miracle of Allah the Almighty and caused Pharaoh along with his army drowned in the red sea. To commemorate the day, Muslims fast on every Ashura. Fasting during Ashura is similar like the teaching of Jews as told by our Prophet (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him).
“We are more closely related to Musa than you” Hence He directed all the followers to fast on the day of Ashura. (Abu Dawood)
4. The day when Noah left the ark
Besides becoming the day when Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) arrived at Medina, the tenth day of Muharram is also the day when Noah left the ark.
“And the word was spoken: “O earth, swallow up thy waters! And, O sky, cease [thy rain]!” And the waters sank into the earth, and the will [of God] was done, and the ark came to rest on Mount Judi. And the word was spoken: “Away with these evildoing folk!” (Quran, 11:44).
5. The best month to fast after Ramadhan
the tenth day of Muharram or usually called Ashura is the best day to fast. Actually fasting during Muharram will give you the same virtue as fasting during Ramadhan. Our Prophet (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said that the best month to fast besides Ramadhan is Muharram, he actually made the point clear in the hadith below.
“The best of fasting after Ramadan is fasting in Allah’s month of Muharram.” (Muslim)
[AdSense-B]
6. The day to fast without following what Jewish do
Either Muslims or Jewish commemorate the day of Moses liberated his people from Pharaoh’s Tyranny. But, our Prophet (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) has made a very clear statement that we should differentiate our deeds from Jewish. Therefore, when we decide to fast on the tenth day of Muharram (Ashura Day), we also need to fast on the preceding or the exceeding day of Ashura.
“The coming year, if Allah wills (I remain alive), I will for surely fast on the ninth (also).”(Muslim)
In another hadith, our Prophet (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) also has discussed the same matter.
“Observe the fast of Ashura and oppose the Jews. Fast a day before it or a day after.”(Baihaqi)
7. The day to commit good deeds
Besides fasting, we still can do another good deeds during Muharram. It is because the tenth day of Muharram or usually called by Ashura is the best day, on the best month that includes sacredness to every living Muslim.
Muslims should make full use of this sacredness of month to do do every good deed that will gain them religious reward. The sacredness has been told in the Quran.
“The year is twelve months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhul-Qadah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and Raja Mudar which comes between Jumadah and Sha’ban.” (Bukhari)
[AdSense-C]
8. The day to do reflection of our sins
Realizing that the tenth day of Muharram or usually called Ashura is the sacred day, we should make a good use of the day doing good. But, besides doing good deeds, we should also make a little reflection of what we have done during the year before and have commitment not to do the same mistake again. It is actually good to our betterment.
9. The day to seek Allah’s forgiveness
Since the tenth day of Muharram is a sacred day of Muslim, it is good for us to make use the day to seek for Allah’s forgiveness. We can do dhikr during the day and commit another good deeds for the sake of Allah’s forgiveness.
10. The day to start a brand new year
After reflecting our sins, seeking Allah’s forgiveness, and committing good deeds, we should make Ashura day as the day when we start everything in a brand new way. It is good to start the year with the remembrance to be better every single day ahead. That’s why, during the tenth day of Muharram or Ashura, we need to make sure that we are prepared enough for another betterment.
That’s all 10 importance of Ashura in Islam. If you find this article interesting enough to you, please share to your friends and fellows on your social media. Sharing is Caring isn’t?