What is Aashura?

What is Aashura?

My beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam’s beloved devotees. The root word for Aashura is Ashr meaning ten. There are a few reasons why this day is called Aashura.

1. This is the tenth day of Muharram thus called Aashura.

2. Ten days are given superiority and this is the tenth day.

3. On this day, Allah Ta’ala blessed ten Prophets with His chosen bounties.

My beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam’s beloved devotees. When RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam saw the Jews fasting on the day of Aashura, he enquired as to the reason for it and they replied that this was the day when as Musa Alaihi Salaam was victorious over Firaun, who drowned along with his followers. So out of respect and as mark of celebration, we fast on this day.

Worship on the Night Before Aashura

Hazrat Ali RadiyAllahu Anhu narrates that RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam said, ‘Whosoever revives the night before Aashura with his worship, Allah will make him live as long as He wishes.’

Good Deeds on Aashura

RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam says, ‘Whosoever applies surma made of stones on the day of Aashura, will have his eyes protected. Whosoever visits sick on this day will get reward of visiting all the sick of the world. And whosoever gives a drink to a needy person will get the reward of doing all the good deeds in the world.’

Compassion Towards an Orphan

Allah’s beloved Rasool Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam has said, ‘Whosoever strokes the head of an orphan with his hands (loves him and attends to his needs) on the day of Aashura, then for every hair, Allah will raise the status of that person in Jannah. [Ghunyatut Taalibeen]

The Fasts of Aashura:

1) RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam said: ‘Fast on the day of Aashura as this is

the day when previous Prophets also fasted.’ [Jame Sageer]

2) RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam has said: ‘Fast on the day of Aashura as I

am certain that Allah forgives the sins of the previous year.’ [Mishkat]

3) Hazrat Abu Qatadah RadiyAllahu Anhu narrates RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa

Sallam was asked about the fast of Aashura, he replied that this is compensation

for the sins of the previous year.’ [Muslim Sharif)