Introduction:

Day of Ashura, or the 10th day of Muharram, is regarded as one of the most religiously significant days in the Islamic calendar. For Sunni Muslims,

Ashura is to be a day of remembrance, fasting, and reflection on the limitless mercy of Allah. The word Ashura is derived from “Asharah” meaning ten- thus denoting Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram, which is one of the four sacred months in Islam. As Allah states:

“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve…four of them are sacred.”
Surah At-Tawbah, 9:36

There is much historical and spiritual significance of Ashura: it being referred to as the day of deliverance of Prophet Musa (PBUH) from Pharaoh to the day of martyrdom of Imam Husayn (RA). In this blog post, we will present some of the different aspects of Ashura from Quran and Sunnah, Sunni perspective and Sufi inspiration.

Summary:

• Ashura as it is popularly known to mark the 10th of Muharram, regarded as the holy month in Islam.
• It is the day that commemorates the save of prophet Musa (PBUH) and his people.
• Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fasted on this date, and encouraged others to do so as well.
• Ashura reminds Muslims not only of divine mercy, but also of sacrifice, and standing up for what is true.
• Sunni Sufi saints have emphasized Ashura thinking of it as a moment of spiritual renewal.

Features of the Day of Ashura:

1. A Day Venerated by the Prophets
The Day of Ashura was well before Islam, a day to be highly regarded. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“This is a great day in which Allah saved Musa and his people (Bani Israel) and drowned Pharaoh and his people. Musa was fasting out of gratitude, and we (Muslims) fast as well.” (Sahih Bukhari)

2. The Sunnah of Fasting
Fasting on the day of Ashura wipes out the sins of the previous year:

“Fasting on the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate thereby the sins of the previous year.”
(Sahih Muslim)

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also encouraged fasting an additional day before (the 9th) or after (the 11th) to better distinguish the Muslim observance from the Jewish observance.

3. The Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA)
While the tragedy of Karbala is not the only justification for Ashura observance, Sunni Muslims in particular give a lot of thought to it. Imam Hussain (RA), the Prophet’s beloved grandson, protested against falsehood, and oppression — believing that there is dignity in standing for justice for the sake of truth, even unto death.

4. A Day of Reflection & Repentance
Ashura is a day to look inward. It is a day to cry out of love for Allah; a day to repent sincerely and to make Tawbah with a full heart. Many saints and scholars including Sunni Sufis have emphasized retreat and spiritual focus on this day.

5. Reward Multiplied in Muharram
Good deeds in a sacred month including prayer, Sadaqah, Dhikr and Qur’an recitation done on Ashura count as multiplied in reward.

Religion & Beliefs Associated with Ashura:

• Allah’s Divine Justice: Notable in: the destruction of Pharoah and the deliverance of the oppressed.
• Faith over Fear: Metaphor in Prophet Musa عليه السلام’s reliance on Allah in the face of overwhelming odds.

• Imam Hussain (RA) and his Legacy: Infamous for being a symbol of the love of Allah, sacrifice and prophetic legacy.
• The Importance of Gratitude: Fasting: as a means of thanking Allah for His assistance and mercy.
• Connecting with the Prophets: Ashura ties to the legacy of Musa, Muhammad ﷺ, and Hussain (may peace be upon them).

Facts About Ashura:

1. Acknowledged by all religious prophets of Abrahamic faiths (as per Islamic perspective).
2. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fasted and recommended the fasting of this day.
3. Sunni Muslims do not mourn but rather reflect on Imam Hussain (RA) sacrifice.
4. Ashura fits into the broader reflection on Muharram and Hijri values.
5. It is not an Eid, and no celebratory customs such as gifts or sweets are encouraged.

Spiritual Stories from Sufi Saints on Ashura:

Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA)’s Thoughtful Reflection

In numerous sermons, Ghaus-e-Azam Shaykh Abdul Qէ Qadir Jilani (RA) used to invariable remind his disciples of the inner meanings of the day of Ashura:

“Ashura — it is not a date, it is a mirror. It reflects your loyalty to Allah. Will you be like those who disloyal and only ever sought out the truth or will you only follow Hussain (RZ) and his follower’s whom demonstrated loyalty to Allah?”

On this day, he engaged his students, discussing the meaning of patience (sabr), truthfullness (sidq), and loyalty (wafa’), all of which is rooted in the meaning of the legacy of Ahl al-Bayt.

Story of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishtar (RA)

On Ashura, Khawaja Gharib Nawaz (RA) would fast with deep respect and pray throughout the night. One night, a student saw him reciting a few lines and tears falling from his eyes. When the student asked why, he responded:

“Dear son, howervisitor: How could a servant sleep while martyr‘s of Karbala had their lives taken so that the value of Islam would still matter? They fasted while they were surely aware they may be breathing their last — why should I not do the same in peace?”

He emphasized that one should feed the poor and give water in the Society: behalf of Imam Husayn (RA) on this day, as it cleanses the heart and brings one near to Allah.

Khwaja Bandanawaz (RA) on Ashura

Indeed, during an Ashura gathering, Khwaja Bandanawaz Gesu Daraz (RA), was asked, “Why did you cry after your tahajjud salah?” He replied:

“Oh seeker, how could one hold back tears by remembering the grandson of the Prophet ﷺ fall to the sands of Karbala, without any water, but holding onto La ilaha illallah? His bravery should warm our hearts toward the truth.”

He instructed that the disciples should occupy the Ashura night by doing dhikr (remembrance), salawat (blessings), and being silent. He reminded everyone to fast from food and sins, distractions, and pride.

he said “Let the souls thirst for Allah, as Hussain (RZ) longed for Allah on the sands of martyrdom,” he said.

Conclusion

The Day of Ashura’s significance is neither sectarian history, but about Allah’s mercy, sacrifice, and the soul’s connection to the Eternal. From Musa عليه السلام being saved to Hussain (RZ) staying steadfast on truth, this tells us that Allah’s aid will always be with the righteous.

What we hope you take away from this day is that it’s your day of turning. Fast, reflect, and revive your heart.

“And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out.”
 Surah At-Talaq, 65:2

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