Introduction
The 10th of Muharram al-Haram, known as Yawm-e-Ashura, is among the most revered and spiritually significant days in the Islamic calendar. Muslims around the world honor this day, not only because of its deep religious value but also because of the many historical moments tied to it—chief among them being the heartbreaking martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (RA), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, during the tragic events of Karbala.
While Ashura is often associated with mourning, especially for the events at Karbala, it is also a day that invites fasting, reflection, and a recommitment to justice and truth.
1. The Importance of Muharram
Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam. These months are mentioned in the Qur’an where Allah says:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah... of which four are sacred.”
(Surah At-Tawbah, 9:36)
The four sacred months are:
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Dhul-Qa’dah
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Dhul-Hijjah
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Muharram
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Rajab
Muharram holds a unique place and is also referred to as “Shahrullah” – the Month of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized its value by saying:
“The best of fasting after the month of Ramadan is in the Month of Allah – Muharram.”
(Sahih Muslim)
2. Notable Events on the 10th of Muharram
Islamic history tells us that many important events in the lives of the Prophets occurred on the 10th of Muharram:
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Prophet Adam (AS): It was on this day that his repentance was accepted by Allah.
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Prophet Nuh (AS): The Ark came to rest on Mount Judi after the great flood.
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Prophet Ibrahim (AS): He was saved from the fire of Nimrod.
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Prophet Yunus (AS): He was freed from the belly of the fish.
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Prophet Musa (AS): He and the Israelites were delivered from Pharaoh’s army.
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Prophet Isa (AS): Some narrations mention he was either born or raised to the heavens on this day.
These moments are seen as signs of Allah’s mercy, protection, and the triumph of truth.
3. Fasting on Ashura
When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ migrated to Madinah, he noticed that the Jews observed fasting on the 10th of Muharram. When asked, they explained that this was the day Allah saved Prophet Musa (AS) and his people from Pharaoh’s tyranny. The Prophet ﷺ responded:
“We are closer to Musa than you.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
Following this, the Prophet ﷺ fasted on this day and encouraged others to do the same.
Virtue of the Fast
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Fasting on the day of Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Recommended Method
To distinguish the Islamic practice from the Jewish tradition, the Prophet ﷺ said:
“If I remain till next year, I will surely fast on the 9th also.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Thus, the recommended way to fast is:
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On the 9th and 10th of Muharram, or
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On the 10th and 11th of Muharram
4. The Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) and Karbala
Background
In 61 AH (680 CE), Imam Hussain (RA) took a courageous stand against Yazid ibn Mu'awiya, whose leadership he believed to be unjust and against Islamic principles. Refusing to pledge allegiance, Imam Hussain chose to uphold truth over compromise.
The Journey to Karbala
Invited by the people of Kufa, Imam Hussain set out with his family and followers. However, his caravan was intercepted, and they were forced to camp on the plains of Karbala.
On the 10th of Muharram, Yazid's large army surrounded them. With no access to food or water, and faced with brutal oppression, Imam Hussain (RA) and his small group stood firm in faith.
The Day of Sacrifice
On that fateful day:
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Each of Imam Hussain’s companions was martyred, one after another.
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Even his infant son, Ali Asghar (RA), was not spared.
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Finally, Imam Hussain (RA) gave his life, choosing martyrdom over submission.
Before the battle, he declared:
“I have not risen to spread evil or show arrogance. I have risen to seek the reform of my grandfather’s nation, to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil.”
(Bihar al-Anwar)
His sacrifice wasn’t for power—it was for preserving the truth and resisting corruption.
5. Misconceptions and Innovations (Bid’ah)
Islam emphasizes adherence to the Qur’an and Sunnah. Unfortunately, over time, certain innovations have become common during Ashura which lack any basis in authentic Islamic teachings:
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Self-harm and chest-beating (Matam)
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Organized mourning rituals filled with wailing
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Considering the day unlucky or forbidding marriages
Instead, Islam teaches us to honor the day by:
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Fasting
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Offering extra voluntary prayers (Nafl)
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Giving in charity (Sadaqah)
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Reading the Qur’an
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Making sincere dua
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Reflecting on the message and lessons of Karbala
6. Timeless Lessons from Ashura
Ashura is more than a day of grief. It’s a day that reminds us of timeless values:
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Always stand for truth, even if you’re alone
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Never support injustice, no matter how powerful it seems
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Be patient in trials, for Allah’s help is near
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Act with sincerity, and do everything for the sake of Allah
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Islam survives and thrives through sacrifice, not silence
The message of Karbala is clear: truth does not rely on numbers; it depends on faith and resolve.
7. The Message of Imam Hussain (RA)
The voice of Imam Hussain (RA) still echoes through time. His stand was not political—it was spiritual and ethical. He reminded us that:
“Death with dignity is better than life with humiliation.”
He proved that Islam is not just about rituals—it’s a movement for justice, morality, and truth.
