Understanding Ashura: Significance, Observance, and Clarifying Misconceptions
A Quran-and-Sunnah-grounded guide to the significance of Ashura, how to observe it correctly, and common misconceptions to avoid.
The month of Muharram is the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar and is one of the four sacred months designated by Allah. Within this month lies the day of Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram.
To understand the virtues of this day, its historical context, and the correct way to observe it, we look directly to the Quran and the established Sunnah. Below is an overview of the significance of Ashura and some common misconceptions surrounding it, grounded in authentic texts.
The Significance of Ashura
1. The Historical Event: The Deliverance of Prophet Musa
The primary significance of Ashura relates to the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and the Children of Israel. On this day, Allah delivered them from the tyranny of Pharaoh.
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 advanced thereto the pursuers. And We saved Moses and those with him, all together.
Surah Ash-Shu'ara — 26:63-65
This event is directly tied to the practice of fasting on Ashura. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came to Medina and found the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He asked them, 'What is the significance of this day on which you fast?' They said, 'This is a great day on which Allah delivered Moses and his people, and drowned Pharaoh and his people; so Moses observed fast on this day out of gratitude, and we also observe it.' Upon this, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, 'We have more right to Moses and are closer to him than you.' So, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) observed fast on this day and enjoined its observance.
Narrated by Ibn Abbas — Sahih al-Bukhari 2004; Sahih Muslim 2656
2. The Virtue of Fasting on Ashura
Fasting on the tenth of Muharram is highly recommended and carries a specific reward. Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about fasting on the day of Ashura, and he replied:
It expiates the sins of the preceding year.
Narrated by Abu Qatadah — Sahih Muslim 2689
3. Recommendation to Fast the Ninth Alongside the Tenth
To distinguish the Muslim practice of fasting from that of other communities, the Prophet (ﷺ) expressed his intention to fast the ninth day of Muharram alongside the tenth. Ibn Abbas reported:
When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) fasted on the day of Ashura and commanded that it should be observed, they said, 'O Messenger of Allah, it is a day held in respect by the Jews and Christians.' The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, 'If I survive until next year, I will surely fast on the ninth along with the tenth.'
Narrated by Ibn Abbas — Sahih Muslim 2666
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Misconception 1: Ashura is sacred only because of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain
The martyrdom of the Prophet's grandson, Imam Hussain ibn Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), at the Battle of Karbala was a tragic event in Islamic history. However, the sanctity of Ashura was established by the Prophet (ﷺ) decades before this event occurred. The primary religious significance of the day remains tied to the deliverance of Prophet Musa and the Sunnah of fasting.
Misconception 2: Specific mourning rituals and physical self-harm are prescribed
While mourning the loss of Imam Hussain is a natural reaction to a historical tragedy, Islam encourages patience and discourages actions that lead to physical self-harm or public displays of grief that contradict Islamic teachings on sabr.
The Prophet (ﷺ) cautioned against extreme displays of mourning:
He is not one of us who slaps his cheeks, tears his clothes, or calls with the calls of the Ignorance.
Reported by Abdullah ibn Masud — Sahih al-Bukhari 1294
The prescribed act of devotion for Ashura remains fasting, coupled with general acts of worship, supplication, and gratitude.
Misconception 3: Ashura is an inherently unlucky day
Some people believe that Muharram or the day of Ashura is a time of bad luck, and avoid major life events like marriages or business ventures during this period. In Islamic theology, days and months are creations of Allah and do not hold inherent bad luck.
The Prophet (ﷺ) rejected the concept of superstitious belief in bad omens:
There is no Adwa, and there is no Tiyarah.
Reported by Abu Hurayrah — Sahih al-Bukhari 5707
Conclusion
The day of Ashura is an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on the victory of truth over falsehood, as demonstrated by the deliverance of Prophet Musa. By observing the fast on the ninth and tenth of Muharram in accordance with the authentic Sunnah, believers seek the forgiveness of past minor sins and express gratitude to Allah. Keeping our practices aligned with the Quran and the authentic Hadith helps ensure that our worship remains consistent with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).