Today marks the 10th day of the Islamic year; the
first month on the lunar calendar is Muharram.
There is great significance behind this day, and Muslims fast to
commemorate this day. During Prophet Muhammad
(SAW)’s time, the Jews were observed to have fasted the ninth, tenth and eleventh
of this month. In honor of Prophet Moses
(SAW) and his people being saved from Pharoah, people of the Jewish faith fast
every year out of gratitude.
This act humbled Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and he felt that
Muslims should also do something in commemoration of this momentous event. Prophet Musa (Moses) along with many other
prophets share historical and religious significance in the three Abrahamic religions:
Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
“We have more right, and we have closer connection with
Prophet Musa (SAW) than you have.” –Sahih Bukhari and Muslim
While it was not made an obligation, Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
did encourage Muslims to fast and observe this day as one of great significance
because of how important Prophet Musa (SAW) is to our religion. After Ramadan,
Ashura is the best occasion to observe the fast.
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Parables such as the parting of the Red Sea are shared between the three Abrahamic faiths.
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Muslims also choose to fast other times of the year that do
not include Ramadan or Ashura in order to follow practices of Prophet Muhammad
(SAW). The Prophet (SAW) was known for
fasting every Monday and Thursday, in addition to the 11th, 12th
and 13th of every month. These
days are not obligatory for Muslims to fast, but it is recommended if you want
to follow the Prophet (SAW)’s practices.
Shia'a Significance –while the Shia’a Muslims also see this day as significant, there is a completely different connotation and reason for observing Ashura. Historically, it is the day that the Shia’a Muslims lost their ruler, Hussein, in 680 AD. They observe this day to mourn the loss of their ruler by reenacting the battle, wearing clothes of mourning and express grief in light of the tragedy. These practices are not held by the Muslim population at large; only a small percentage of Muslims worldwide observe Ashura in this way.
Shia'a Significance –while the Shia’a Muslims also see this day as significant, there is a completely different connotation and reason for observing Ashura. Historically, it is the day that the Shia’a Muslims lost their ruler, Hussein, in 680 AD. They observe this day to mourn the loss of their ruler by reenacting the battle, wearing clothes of mourning and express grief in light of the tragedy. These practices are not held by the Muslim population at large; only a small percentage of Muslims worldwide observe Ashura in this way.
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