Sosyal Medya

Islam

Ashurah Beyond Tradition: A Look at Its History and Significance

This day is significant, commemorating the momentous event when Allah delivered Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel from the tyranny of Fir‘awn (Pharaoh).

Yusuf A. Fatoyinbo 

Derived from the Arabic word “Aashir,” meaning “Tenth,” Ashurah marks the 10th day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar. This year, 1446 AH Ashurah will be observed on July 16, 2024. For Muslims worldwide, this day is significant, commemorating the momentous event when Allah delivered Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel from the tyranny of Fir‘awn (Pharaoh). Yet, in many communities, the true essence of Ashurah has been overshadowed by other historical events, such as the tragic martyrdom of Husayn ibn ‘Ali, the Prophet Muhammad's grandson.

However, the roots of Ashurah lie in the liberation of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his followers from the clutches of Fir‘awn (Pharaoh). According to Ibn Abbas, when the Prophet Muhammad arrived in Madinah, he observed the Jews fasting on this day. Curious, he inquired, “What is this?” They responded, “This is a righteous day; it is the day Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemies, so Musa fasted on this day.” In response, the Prophet Muhammad declared, “We have more right to Musa than you,” and thus, he fasted on that day and instructed the Muslims to do the same (Bukhari).

The tragic events of Karbala have unfortunately blurred the true essence of Ashurah. Many now mistakenly believe that Ashurah began with the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, a misconception not supported by historical facts. As a result, Muharram has become a time of recounting the sorrowful events of Karbala, often mired in controversy. Additionally, unauthentic reports, such as the belief that Prophet Nuh’s Ark rested on Mount Judi on this day, have further muddied the waters, leading to cultural events that divert attention from the day’s true significance.

But then, the original event of Ashura, the liberation of Prophet Musa and the Children of Israel from Fir‘awn, like other stories of the Qur’an, provides us with lessons for our spiritual and mundane lives.

The Event of Ashura

Prophet Musa was sent to Fir ‘awn, who, at the time, placed the Israelites under severe torture, enslaving their men and violating their women. Allah sent Prophet Musa, who had been grown in Fir ‘awn’s palace and had fled because of crisis, to call Fir’awn to Islamic monotheism and to also free the Israelites. Fir’ awn arrogantly rejects the message of Allah and the calling of Musa. Allah commanded Musa to flee from Egypt with the Israelites.

On the day of Ashurah, Prophet Musa and the Israelites fled Egypt. Fir’awn got the information and gathered an army after them. At the edge of the Red Sea, with nowhere left to run and Fir‘awn’s forces closing in, Allah commanded Musa: “Strike with your staff the sea. The waters parted, creating towering walls on either side, allowing Musa and the Israelites to pass safely. Once they were through, the sea closed in, drowning Fir‘awn and his army. As recounted in Surah Ash-Shu’arah (Verses 63-68)

This momentous event marked the salvation of the Israelites from the impending doom at the hands of Fir‘awn. While both Muslims and the Ahlul Kitab (People of the Book) read about this story in their holy scriptures—the Qur’an and the Bible—many overlook its profound symbolic values today. Regrettably, this incident is often seen merely as an entertaining miraculous story rather than a narrative rich with lessons to ponder deeply.

Lessons from the Ashura incident

A strong faith is a prerequisite for victory. Fir‘awn, who saw himself as a god, was a feared despot. Yet, Prophet Musa, seemingly insignificant compared to Fir’awn, led the Israelites to freedom through his unwavering faith. While Prophet Musa maintained belief in the face of the impossible, Fir‘awn met his end in the sea, demonstrating that even the mightiest tyrants can be defeated in the most unexpected ways. The key lesson here is the power of steadfast faith and acting upon it.

Meanwhile, faith is not enough without action. The Israelites desperately needed salvation from their persecution in Egypt. Allah appointed Prophet Musa as their saviour, and they took the bold step of fleeing Egypt with him. However, they found themselves helpless when they reached the Red Sea—until Allah’s intervention saved them. Had they stayed in Egypt without taking action, history would have unfolded differently. Let the Day of Ashurah be a turning point in our lives; take the initiative to become a better person, change the evils around you, and contribute your quota against all the Pharaonic establishments, and we will find help in Allah.

Ultimately, we should not forget that Allah is the solution to our problems. Moving the Israelites from the shackles of Pharaoh was a great challenge for Prophet Musa. Yet, he found the solution in Allah, and the problem was resolved forever. Each of us faces different struggles—some Muslims battle addictions to sin, others grapple with marital issues, and some face difficulties with their children. Let us return to Allah, for indeed, He is the ultimate problem solver.

As we reflect on the event and significance of the Day of Ashurah, it's crucial to consider its spiritual value and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad regarding this day. It is authentically reported that fasting on Ashurah was obligatory before the revelation of Ramadan fasting, after which it became optional but highly virtuous. According to a hadith in Sahih Muslim, fasting in the month of Muharram, in general, is considered second only to Ramadan in its virtues. Specifically, another hadith narrates that the Prophet said, “Fasting the day of Ashurah, I hope Allah will expiate the sins of the previous year” (Muslim). However, it's important to note that this expiation covers minor sins, while major sins require sincere repentance for forgiveness. Additionally, it is recommended to fast on the 9th of Muharram (Yawmu Taasu’ah) as well because the Prophet intended to fast on both the 9th and the 10th. However, he did not live to fulfil the 9th.

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