Virtues of Muharram – Day of Ashura
R500 can contribute towards the Orphans General Fund, supporting provision of education, healthcare and basic essentials
R2,000 can provide an orphaned child with a school kit containing a uniform, school bag, shoes and stationery
R5,000 can contribute towards a quality education for an orphaned child
What is the Day of Ashura?
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, falling in the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
The word Ashura is derived from the word “Asharah”, which means ten in Arabic.
It is believed that the Day of Ashura commemorates various historical events, including the day when Prophet Moses (Musa) and the Israelites were saved from the tyranny of Pharaoh in Egypt.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) observed the Jews fasting on this day to commemorate their deliverance, and he recommended that Muslims also fast.
The Prophet (SAW) said: “We are closer to Musa than you are,” and advised Muslims to fast ‘Ashura’ either for three days (ninth, tenth, and eleventh); two days (ninth and tenth); or just the Day of Ashura itself.
When is the Day of Ashura 2025?
The Day of Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram, which is on Sunday, 6th July 2025.
What is the history and significance of the Day of Ashura?
The story of Musa
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.
The Pharaoh was extremely violent and corrupt in his rule, and spread blasphemy as he declared himself as God. The Prophet Musa (AS) refused to follow the Pharaoh and instead encouraged him to worship Allah. The Pharaoh would not accept that there was a power higher than himself, and in response, he sent a large army to destroy the Prophet and his followers.
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.
“Then We inspired to Moses, “Strike with your staff the sea,” and it parted, and each portion was like a great towering mountain. And We drew forward the others [i.e., the pursuers]. And We saved Moses and those with him, all together. Then We drowned the others. Indeed in that is a sign, but most of them were not to be believers. And indeed, your Lord – He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful.
Qur’an | Surah Ash-Shu’ara | 26:63-68
The story of Ashura and other Prophets
The Day of Ashura was also significant in the time of other prophets. For example, in the time of prophet Nuh (AS), some narrations say that on the day of Ashura, Allah returned his arc back to dry land after the flooding stopped. It was a day of relief and celebration for the Prophet and his devoted companions.
Some narrations also say that The Day of Ashura was also the day that Prophet Adam (AS) repented and was forgiven to Allah after eating the forbidden fruit, as well as the day that Prophet Yunus (AS) was released from the belly of the whale and Allah forgave his people.
Ashura Fasting
Muslims are encouraged to fast the Day of Ashura by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
“I never saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of ‘Ashura’, and this month, meaning Ramadhan.
Hadith | Sahih al-Bukhari
Why did the Prophet (PBUH) fast on Ashura?
Fasting the 9th of Muharram
The scholars of Islam consider it recommended to fast on the 9th of Muharram along with the 10th of Muharram (‘Ashura). This is due to the Hadith:
When the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) fasted on the day of ‘Ashura and told the people to fast, they said, “O Messenger of Allah, this is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.” The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, “Next year, if Allah wills, we will fast on the ninth day.” But by the time the following year came, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) had passed away.
(Muslim)
The Prophet (pbuh) wanted to fast on the 9th, to differ from the People of the Book.
Fasting the 11th of Muharram?
Some of the scholars also considered fasting on the 11th of Muharram to be recommended. This could be if one misses the 9th or it could be to ensure one catches the 10th of Muharram. Therefore, it is virtuous to fast:
- Just the Day of Ashura
- or to fast the 9th and 10th,
- or to fast the 10th and 11th.
- Some scholars would even fast the 9th, 10th and 11th of Muharram.
Any one of these options is recommended.
Commemorating the Day of Ashura
As well as fasting the Day of Ashura which is one of the most virtuous acts, there are many other beneficial deeds you can do which can earn great rewards on the blessed day.
These include giving Sadaqah and Zakat to help those in need across the world, as well as spending money on one’s family.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, ‘’one who generously spends on his family on the Day of Ashura, Allah (SWT) will be generous on him for the entire year (Baihaqi)
It’s also important to increase worship on the Day of Ashura, such as reading more Qur’an, sending salutations to the Prophet (PBUH) and offering naffal (optional) prayers. It’s also a good time to reflect on the significant events which took place on the Day of Ashura and to draw important lessons from them, which can help us in our lives, for example, to rely on the power of Allah to help us in our time of need.
Give Sadaqah or Zakat on the Day of Ashura
One of the most virtuous acts of worship on Ashura is to give charity to our Muslim brothers and sisters suffering across the world. You can give your Sadaqah or Zakat to Islamic Relief.