10th Muharram • Day of Ashura

What is Ashura?

Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram, a sacred day in Islam remembered for gratitude, fasting, reflection, repentance, and drawing closer to Allah.

The Meaning of Ashura

The word Ashura is connected to the number ten, because it falls on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.

Muharram is one of the sacred months in Islam. Ashura is not merely a historical date; it is a spiritual reminder that Allah saves, forgives, honors patience, and opens doors of mercy for those who return to Him.

The History of Ashura

When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ came to Madinah, he found that the Jews were fasting on Ashura. They said it was the day Allah saved Prophet Musa عليه السلام and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. Prophet Musa عليه السلام fasted out of gratitude to Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “We have more right to Musa than you.” So he fasted on that day and instructed the Muslims to fast.

This teaches us that Ashura is a day of gratitude. It reminds the believer that even when oppression appears powerful, Allah’s help is greater. Pharaoh had armies, authority, and arrogance; Musa عليه السلام had trust in Allah — and Allah saved him.

Why Do Muslims Fast on Ashura?

Fasting on Ashura is a highly recommended Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged fasting this day, and he mentioned a great reward for it.

The Prophet ﷺ said that fasting the day of Ashura is hoped to expiate the sins of the previous year.

Scholars explain that this refers to minor sins, while major sins require sincere tawbah, regret, stopping the sin, and returning to Allah.

Should We Fast the 9th and 10th?

It is recommended to fast the 9th and 10th of Muharram. The Prophet ﷺ intended to fast the 9th along with the 10th if he lived until the following year.

Best Option Fast 9th and 10th Muharram.

Also Mentioned Fast 10th and 11th if 9th is missed.

Minimum Fast the 10th of Muharram.

What Should We Do on Ashura?

1. Fast Fast with the intention of following the Sunnah and seeking Allah’s forgiveness.

2. Make Tawbah Return to Allah with a sincere heart and leave sins behind.

3. Make Duʿāʾ Ask Allah for guidance, protection, forgiveness, and a good ending.

4. Send Salawat Increase salawat upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

5. Give Charity Help others and make the day a reason for mercy.

6. Reflect Remember the story of Musa عليه السلام and the power of trusting Allah.

A Day of Hope

Ashura teaches us that Allah can change any situation. The sea split by the command of Allah. The oppressed were saved. The arrogant were humbled. A believer should never lose hope in Allah.

Use this day to fast, repent, make duʿāʾ, reconnect with the Qur’an, and ask Allah to revive your heart.

Summary

Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram. It is remembered as the day Allah saved Musa عليه السلام and his people from Pharaoh. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fasted on this day and encouraged Muslims to fast it. It is a day of gratitude, forgiveness, repentance, duʿāʾ, and renewed hope in Allah.

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Note: This page is for general Islamic reminder purposes. For detailed fiqh questions, please follow qualified scholars of your madhhab.