The tenth day of Muharram, known as Ashura, occupies a distinguished position in the Islamic calendar and is among the most significant days observed by Muslims throughout the world. It is a day associated with divine mercy, gratitude, remembrance, spiritual purification, and devotion to Allah. The most prominent act of worship connected with this day is fasting, a practice established and encouraged by Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The observance of Ashura reminds believers of Allah’s support for His righteous servants, His power to rescue them from oppression, and His ultimate victory of truth over falsehood. The significance of fasting on this day predates the tragedy of Karbala and originates directly from the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) -Al-Bukhari, Hadith 2004; Muslim, Hadith 1130.
The historical roots of Ashura extend back to the time of Prophet Musa (AS). According to authentic Islamic traditions, Allah saved Musa (AS) and the Children of Israel from the tyranny of Pharaoh on this blessed day. When Prophet Muhammad (SAW) migrated to Madinah, he found the Jewish community observing a fast on the tenth of Muharram. Upon asking them about the reason for their fasting, they informed him that it commemorated the day on which Allah delivered Musa and his people from their enemy. In response, the Prophet (SAW) declared, “We have more right to Musa than you,” and he fasted on that day and instructed the Muslims to fast as well (Al-Bukhari, Hadith 2004; Muslim, Hadith 1130). This narration clearly establishes that Ashura is fundamentally a day of gratitude to Allah for His mercy, protection, and assistance to the believers.
Before the fasting of Ramadan was prescribed as an obligation, the fast of Ashura occupied a special status among Muslims. Aishah (RA) reported that the Quraysh used to fast on Ashura during the pre-Islamic period and that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) also observed this fast. After his migration to Madinah, he continued fasting on this day and encouraged the Muslims to do the same. However, when Allah made fasting during the month of Ramadan obligatory, the fast of Ashura became voluntary rather than compulsory. Thereafter, whoever wished could fast on Ashura and whoever wished could leave it (Al-Bukhari, Hadith 2002; Muslim, Hadith 1125). This demonstrates both the historical significance of Ashura and its continued status as a highly recommended Sunnah.
Among the greatest virtues associated with Ashura is the immense reward promised by Allah for those who fast on this day. The Prophet (SAW) said: “I hope from Allah that fasting on the day of Ashura will expiate the sins of the previous year” (Muslim, Hadith 1162). This remarkable promise reflects the vast mercy of Allah and His willingness to forgive His servants. Islamic scholars explain that the expiation mentioned in this hadith refers to minor sins, while major sins require sincere repentance and a conscious return to Allah through tawbah (Al-Nawawi, 1972, Vol. 8, pp. 12–15). Nevertheless, the hadith highlights the extraordinary spiritual opportunity presented by this single day of fasting.
Towards the end of his life, the Prophet (SAW) expressed his desire to distinguish Muslim practice from that of the Jewish community. Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “If I live until next year, I will surely fast the ninth day as well” (Muslim, Hadith 1134). Based on this narration, scholars recommend fasting the ninth and tenth of Muharram together. Others have also recommended fasting the tenth and eleventh, while some scholars encourage fasting all three days—the ninth, tenth, and eleventh—to ensure distinction and to maximize reward (Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, 2000, Vol. 4, pp. 245–250). Consequently, the most preferred method is to fast both the ninth and tenth of Muharram in accordance with the Prophet’s intention.
The spiritual significance of Ashura extends beyond the act of fasting itself. It is fundamentally a day of gratitude to Allah. Just as Prophet Musa (AS) fasted in thanksgiving for Allah’s deliverance from Pharaoh, Muslims observe this fast to express gratitude for the countless blessings, favors, and protections bestowed upon them by their Creator (Al-Bukhari, Hadith 2004). Gratitude occupies a central place in Islamic spirituality, and Ashura serves as an annual reminder of the believer’s obligation to thank Allah for His mercy and guidance.
“Ashura is a meaningful day for fasting, reflection, and seeking Allah’s mercy. It serves as an inspiration to live a life rooted in sincerity, truth, justice, and righteousness.”
The story of Musa (AS) and Pharaoh also symbolizes the eternal struggle between truth and falsehood. Pharaoh represented arrogance, oppression, and tyranny, whereas Musa (AS) stood for faith, justice, and obedience to Allah. The events commemorated on Ashura remind believers that no matter how powerful oppression may appear, Allah ultimately grants victory to truth and righteousness. This lesson remains deeply relevant in every age and circumstance, inspiring believers to remain steadfast in the face of adversity and to trust in Allah’s wisdom and justice (Al-Nawawi, 1972, Vol. 8, pp. 12–15).
Like all forms of fasting, Ashura also cultivates self-discipline, patience, and God-consciousness (taqwa). By abstaining from food, drink, and other lawful desires for the sake of Allah, Muslims strengthen their spiritual connection with their Creator and develop greater control over their desires and impulses. Fasting serves as a means of self-purification and spiritual growth, reminding believers that true fulfillment lies not in material indulgence but in obedience to Allah and closeness to Him.
Ashura also encourages believers to engage in self-reflection and repentance. The promise of forgiveness associated with this fast motivates Muslims to review their actions, seek Allah’s pardon for their shortcomings, and renew their commitment to righteousness. Through sincere fasting and repentance, believers are given an opportunity to begin anew, spiritually cleansed and strengthened in faith (Muslim, Hadith 1162).
The tenth of Muharram is also remembered as the day on which Imam Husain ibn Ali (RA), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), was martyred at Karbala in 61 AH (680 CE). His martyrdom remains one of the most painful and significant events in Islamic history (Ibn Kathir, 1998, Vol. 8, pp. 151–220). Imam Husain (RA) stood firmly for justice, truth, and moral integrity in the face of oppression and political corruption. His courage, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to principle continue to inspire Muslims throughout the world.
However, it is important to recognize that the religious significance of fasting on Ashura was established by the Prophet (SAW) long before the tragedy of Karbala occurred. Therefore, Muslims fast on Ashura primarily because it is a Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) and because of its connection to the deliverance of Musa (AS) and the Children of Israel. At the same time, believers remember the sacrifice of Imam Husain (RA) with love, respect, and admiration, drawing lessons of courage, justice, and steadfastness from his noble example (Al-Bukhari, Hadith 2004; Muslim, Hadith 1130).
The lessons derived from Ashura are numerous and timeless. It teaches gratitude to Allah for His blessings and protection, trust in Allah during times of hardship, patience in the face of adversity, and confidence that truth will ultimately triumph over falsehood. It reminds believers of the importance of moral courage, steadfast faith, and commitment to justice. The day also encourages spiritual renewal through fasting, repentance, and remembrance of Allah. These lessons continue to provide guidance for Muslims confronting personal, social, and global challenges in the contemporary world.
In an era marked by uncertainty, injustice, and moral confusion, the message of Ashura remains profoundly relevant. The story of Musa (AS) inspires hope in Allah’s assistance and reminds believers that oppression can never prevail indefinitely. Likewise, the sacrifice of Imam Husain (RA) demonstrates that adherence to truth and justice is more valuable than worldly power or political success. Together, these historical events transform Ashura into a powerful symbol of faith, perseverance, and moral integrity.
In conclusion, the fasting of Ashura is a blessed Sunnah rooted in gratitude to Allah for the deliverance of Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers from Pharaoh. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasized its observance and informed believers that fasting on this day expiates the sins of the previous year (Muslim, Hadith 1162). The fast serves as an expression of gratitude, a means of spiritual purification, and an opportunity for seeking Allah’s forgiveness. It also provides an occasion to reflect upon the noble sacrifice of Imam Husain (RA), whose martyrdom remains a lasting symbol of courage and resistance against injustice. Thus, Ashura is a day of worship, remembrance, reflection, gratitude, and moral inspiration. May Allah enable us to observe the fast of Ashura with sincerity, grant us His mercy and forgiveness, and inspire us to uphold truth, justice, and righteousness in every aspect of our lives.
(The author a veteran academician is a former Professor and Head Department of Islamic Studies, Kashmir University. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
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