Based on the Islamic culture and traditions, certain days of the year are considered more sacred as compared to others. One of them is the 10thMuharram, or commonly known as “The Day of Ashura.” The virtues of Muharram according to the Quran and Sunnah are as follows:
Virtue 1: Ashura Falls in the Month of Muharram
Not only due to its historical references but also because it comes in one of the four holy months in Islam, the day of Ashura is considered one of the holiest days in Islam. Following the command of the All-Mighty, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) states in one of his Hadith, “The year is twelve months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab Mudar which comes between Jumadah and Sha’ban.” (Sahih Al Bukhari)
Though good deeds carry greater rewards in the month of Muharram, sins are considered far worse. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) highlighted the significance of fasting in Muharram by stating,
“The best of fasting after Ramadan is fasting in Allah (SWT)’s month of Muharram.”
(Muslim)
Virtue 2: It Is the Day Allah (SWT) saved the People of Israel
According to Islamic history, the 10th of Muharram was the day when Allah (SWT) miraculously saved Prophet Musa (RA) and his followers from the army of the cruel Pharaoh. It is said that while escaping from the evil Pharaoh (Pheroin) and his army Prophet Musa (RA) and his followers came to a dead-end at the Red sea. With nowhere to go, Prophet Musa (RA) and his followers lost their hope and prayed to Allah (SWT) for help. That’s when on Allah’s (SWT) command, the moment Prophet Musa (RA) struck the sea with his Lathi (wooden sceptre), it miraculously split in half, creating a way for the Israelites to pass through.
Virtue 3: The Journey of Prophet Noah’s Ark Ended at Mount Judi
According to the narration by Imam Ahmad (May Allah have mercy on him), it was the 10th of Muharram when the journey of the ark of Prophet Noah (RA) came to an end on the side of Mount Judi. It’s said that Prophet Noah (RA), on the command of Allah (SWT), built an ark to carry his followers, his family, and pairs of all world animals to a safe location. Though the ark was caught in a dangerous storm, it safely reached its destination on the day of Ashura.
Virtue 4: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Used to Fast on 10th Muharram before Prophethood was Gifted to Him
Imam Malik (may Allah have mercy on him) in his book Muwatta mentions that following the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim (RA) even in the period of Jahiliyyah (ignorance), the polytheists of Makkah would observe fast on 10th Muharram. Therefore, even before prophethood was gifted to him, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to fast on 10th of Muharram. In another narration, Imam Al Qurtubi (may Allah have mercy on him) says, “Perhaps Quraysh used to fast on that day based on some past law, such as that of Prophet Ibrahim (RA).”
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