A Sacred Day in the Islamic Calendar

Among the many blessed days in Islam, the 10th of Muharram, known as Yawm al-Ashura, holds a unique place of honor. Falling in the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, Muharram is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Qur’an:

“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah… of these, four are sacred.”
[Surah At-Tawbah 9:36]

Ashura is not only historically significant but spiritually potent — a day when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ recommended fasting, a day when Allah saved Musa (AS), and a day filled with mercy, reflection, and reward.

The Historical Significance of Ashura

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ observed the Jews of Madinah fasting on the 10th of Muharram in gratitude to Allah for saving Prophet Musa (AS) and the Israelites from Pharaoh’s tyranny. In response, he said:

“We are more entitled to Musa than you.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, 3943]

He then fasted on Ashura and encouraged the Muslims to do the same.

The Immense Rewards of Fasting on Ashura

One of the greatest merits of Ashura is the opportunity to earn forgiveness for the sins of the past year:

“Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.”
[Sahih Muslim, 1162]

Key Rewards of Fasting on the 10th of Muharram:

• Expiration of minor sins from the previous year
• Emulating the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ
• Drawing closer to Allah through voluntary worship
• Following the practice of the Prophets (AS)

The Sunnah of Fasting Ashura and the 9th of Muharram

To differentiate from the practices of the Jews, the Prophet ﷺ advised:

“If I live to see the next year, I will certainly fast the 9th (of Muharram) also.”
[Sahih Muslim, 1134]

It is recommended to:

• Fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram (Tasu’a and Ashura)
• Or fast the 10th and 11th if the 9th is missed

Ashura & The Martyrdom of Hussain (RA)

Ashura is also remembered as the tragic day of the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali (RA), the beloved grandson of the Prophet ﷺ, in the Battle of Karbala. Though we do not fast in mourning, this sorrowful event reminds us of:

• Standing up against injustice
• Sacrificing for the truth
• Loving the Ahlul Bayt (the Prophet’s family)

How to Honour Ashura Spiritually

✅ Fast on the 9th and 10th
✅ Increase Du’a and Dhikr
✅ Give charity and feed others
✅ Reflect on the trials of the Prophets and stay steadfast
✅ Refrain from innovation (bid’ah) or cultural additions not supported by Sunnah

Reflections for Our Time

In a world full of distractions, Ashura re-centers the believer on divine mercy, patience, and true obedience. It teaches:

• Faith in the face of tyranny (as with Musa AS)
• Forgiveness from Allah’s endless mercy
• Love for the Prophet ﷺ and his family

The 10th of Muharram is more than a historical footnote — it is a divinely gifted opportunity to reconnect with your faith, gain immense reward, and draw inspiration from the giants of Islam who stood unwavering in their obedience to Allah.

As we fast and reflect on this sacred day, may we revive its message of hope, strength, and steadfastness.

“Indeed, with hardship comes ease.”
[Surah Ash-Sharh 94:6]

Wishing you a Mubarak Ashura from all of us at The Turquoise Scarf.