In this blog post, let’s embark on a captivating journey to explore the Day of Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram, and its profound significance in Islamic history. This sacred day intertwines divine mercy and remarkable events, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of believers worldwide.
It has been mentioned from Sayyidina Ali, which was narrated by At-Tirmidhi, that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said to a man,
"If you will fast after the month of Ramadan, then fast Al-Muharram, for indeed it is Allah's month in which there is a day that Allah accepted the repentance of a people, and in which He accepts the repentance of other people."
(HR. At-Tirmidhi)
The words of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which read, " …and in which He accepts the repentance of other people", is a recommendation to humans to Taubatan Nasuha (sincere and pure repentance) on the day of Ashura'. This hadith also explains that if a person repents to Allah SWT for all his sins on that day, there is hope that his repentance will be accepted and his sins will be forgiven, as the sins of the previous people will be forgiven.
The Day of Ashura bears witness to Allah's boundless mercy, as it holds a tapestry of historical events where the Almighty showered His benevolence upon His chosen messengers. We will also include prayers by the prophets as reflected in verses of the Al Quran, providing us with inspiration for our dhikr (remembrance) and repentance to Allah SWT.
The historical significance of our Prophets includes:
Forgiveness of Prophet Adam AS
On this auspicious day, Allah SWT forgave Prophet Adam AS when he repented for his past mistakes, a testament to the divine compassion that awaits those who seek forgiveness sincerely. Allah SWT said about Adam AS;
“Then Adam received some words from his Lord and He accepted his repentance: He is the Ever Relenting, the Most Merciful.” (QS. Al-Baqarah: 37)
Allah SWT informs about Adam AS and his wife,
“They replied, ‘Our Lord, we have wronged our souls: if You do not forgive us and have mercy, we shall be lost.’ ”
(QS. Al-A' raf: 23)
The salvation of Prophet Nuh AS
Muharram brought the salvation of Prophet Nuh AS and the ark's safe landing at Mount Judi, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness over adversity.
His prayers to Allah SWT,
“He said, ‘My Lord, I take refuge with You from asking for things I know nothing about. If You do not forgive me and have mercy on me, I shall be one of the losers.’ ’’
(QS. Hud: 47)
Protection of Prophet Ibrahim AS
Prophet Ibrahim AS found divine protection from the oppressive Nimrod on the Day of Ashura, being saved from the fire, demonstrating the Almighty's unwavering support for His devoted servants. This is the day when Prophet Ibrahim AS was born.
Multiple events of Prophet Yusuf AS and Prophet Yaqub AS
This sacred day witnessed the joyous reunion of Prophet Yusuf AS with his father, Prophet Yaqub AS, an emblem of divine reunification after years of separation. Also, on this sacred day, Prophet Yaqub AS regained his eyesight, and Prophet Yusuf AS was removed from the well.
Although all the calamities befall Prophet Yunus AS, he makes this du’a expressing his gratitude towards Allah SWT,
“My Lord! You have given me authority; You have taught me something about the interpretation of dreams; Creator of the heavens and the earth, You are my protector in this world and the Hereafter. Let me die in true devotion to You. Join me with the righteous.”
(QS. Yusuf: 101)
The victory of Prophet Musa AS and the Children of Israel
Allah granted victory to Prophet Musa AS and the Children of Israel, parting the sea and granting triumph over the tyrant Firaun (Pharaoh), showcasing the Almighty's support for the righteous. Firaun (Pharaoh) and his followers were drowned.
Prophet Musa AS said:
“He said, ‘Lord, I have wronged myself. Forgive me,’ so He forgave him; He is truly the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.”
(QS. Al-Qasas: 16)
Pardon of Prophet Daud AS and the Sovereignty of Prophet Sulaiman AS
On Ashura, Allah SWT pardoned Prophet Dawud AS and bestowed great sovereignty upon his son, Prophet Sulaiman AS, exemplifying divine favor and blessings upon the righteous.
Rescue of Prophet Yunus AS
This blessed day marked the rescue of Prophet Yunus AS from the depths of the whale, affirming Allah's readiness to answer the call of those in distress.
While in the whale’s belly, cramped within the lifeless void of darkness, Prophet Yunus AS reflected on the error in his ways and prayed to Allah ﷾:
“And (remember) when the Man of the Whale stormed off (from his city) in a rage, thinking We would not restrain him. Then in the (veils of) darkness, he cried out, “There is no god (worthy of worship) except You. Glory be to You! I have certainly done wrong.” So We answered his prayer and rescued him from anguish. And so do We save the believers.” (QS. Al-Anbiyaa’: 87-88)
Birth and Ascent of Prophet Isa AS
Prophet Isa AS was born and raised to the heavens on this day. On this momentous day, Prophet Isa AS was born, heralding the arrival of a prophet who would bring forth divine teachings and guidance for humanity.
In addition to his birth, the Day of Ashura holds another momentous event related to Prophet Isa AS, his miraculous ascent to the heavens, underscoring the profound significance of this sacred day in the Islamic calendar.
According to Imam Al-Ghazali’s writing in his book, Mukashafah al-Qulub, there are many hadith on the virtues of Ashura. Some of these have been listed above, and others include witnessing the emergence of the cosmos, the heaven and the raindrop.
From the Lawh-I Mahfuz (the preserved table) to the celestial heavens, seas, mountains, pen, stars, angels, and the angel Jibril AS, all were brought into existence by Allah SWT on this momentous day, illuminating the celestial grandeur of Ashura.
As the sun set on Ashura, the world witnessed the gentle symphony of raindrops falling from the sky, symbolizing Allah's SWT blessings and benevolence upon His creation. Additionally, according to prophetic tradition, the Day of Ashura holds the promise of the world's ultimate conclusion, affirming the transient nature of this earthly life.
The Day of Ashura is a tapestry interwoven with divine mercy and historical significance. As believers, we are reminded of Allah's boundless compassion, exemplified by the forgiveness granted to our noble prophets. From the salvation of Prophet Nuh AS to the victory of Prophet Musa AS, the Day of Ashura echoes the profound love and support Allah SWT bestows upon those who walk the path of righteousness.
As we commemorate this sacred day, let us draw inspiration from the divine events on Ashura and seek forgiveness, mercy, and guidance from the Most Merciful. Now that we have a deeper understanding of the Day of Ashura, may it be a catalyst for reflection, drawing us closer to our Lord through acts of worship and compassion for one another. Also, may we all be able to meet on the Day of Ashura next year!
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