26/07/2023
There are certain days in the year which are more virtuous than others, one such day is the 10th of Muharram which is known as the Day of Ashura.
The significance of Ashurah (the 10th of Muharram):
On the Day of Ashura in the time of Prophet Musa (AS), Allah saved the Prophet and Bani Israel from the tyrannical Pharaoh and his army. On the Day of Ashura, Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers were being chased by the army but trusted Allah alone in protecting them. Prophet Musa (AS) made the following famous Dua which was later revealed in the Holy Quran:
“Truly my Lord is with me, He will guide me through.” (Quran 26:62)
As a result of his patience and firm faith in Allah’s help, Allah parted the Red Sea so that Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers could pass to safety. As punishment, the Pharaoh and his army were then submerged in the sea.
Virtue of Ashurah:
Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about observing As-Saum (the fast) on the tenth day of Muharram, and he replied, "It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year."
وعن أبي قتادة رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم سئل عن صيام يوم عاشوراء فقال: "يكفر السنة الماضية" ((رواه مسلم)).
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1252
In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 262
Ibn 'Abbas said:
When the Prophet (ﷺ) on the day of 'Ashurah and commanded us to fast on it, they (i.e. Companions) said: Messenger of Allah, this is a day which is considered great by Jews and Christians? The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: When the next year comes, we shall fast on the 9th of Muharram. But the next year the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) breathed his last.
Reference : Sunan Abi Dawud 2445
In-book reference : Book 14, Hadith 133
*Most of the scholars' opinion is that one can observe fasting either on the 9th and 10th of Muharram or on the 10th and 11th, but it is compulsory to keep it for 2 days, the best choice would be the 9th and 10th.