Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim, today’s topic of discussion is Ashura: Meaning and History of Ashurah in Islam.
Ashura meaning
The sound of Ashura makes the common man shudder because their idea is that Ashura is related to the events of Karbala. And Karbala means the tragic martyrdom of Imam Husain bin Ali, the grandson of the Prophet (peace be upon him), in his own family. But Ashura means the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the lunar year. Allah Ta’ala has made 4 of the 12 months, namely: Jilqad, Jilhaj, Muharram, and Rajab, as Haram and honorable months.
The words of Allah Ta’ala:
Surely, in the decree of Allah and the reckoning, there are twelve months from the creation of the heavens and the earth. Four of them are haram, i.e., honorable. This is a well-established provision, so do not wrong yourselves with it.
Surah Tawba: Verse No. 36
And people think that Ashura has been named because ten important things have been held on this day. But there is no exact proof of this.
History of Ashura
Four of the 12 months of Hijri are Haram months. Jilkad, Jilhaj, Muharram, and Rajab. The first haram month is Muharram, and the last haram month is Jilhaj. And in the middle is the forbidden month of Rajab. The Arabs called the month of Muharram “Swafrul Awal” or the first visit and made war halal and haram as they wished. Allah Ta’ala abrogated it and renamed it Al-Muharram. Therefore, for the sake of importance, the month of Muharram has been called Shahrullahil Muharram, i.e., the month of Muharram of Allah. The day of Ashura is undoubtedly important. This day reminds us of a historical event. It is a great day for the establishment of migration and rights for religious protection. And that is why every Muslim should remember the day with a special act of worship.
In this regard, Allah Ta’ala says in the Holy Qur’an, ‘And We made the children of Israel cross the river. Then they were pursued by the Pharaoh and the army for debauchery and extravagance. Even when they began to sink, they said, “Now I believe that there is no god but Him in whom the Children of Israel believed.” I belong to his followers. Now you say that. But you disobeyed before and were among the misguided. So today I save your body so that it can be a sign for those who come after you. And surely many people do not notice My great power.’ – Surah Yunus: 90-92
It is clear from several Saheeh hadeeths that Moses and his people, the Children of Israel, were saved on this day by crossing the sea from Egypt through the tyranny, oppression, and persecution of Pharaoh. That is why Moses (peace be upon him) fasted on this day out of gratitude and gratitude to Allah and later on, the children of Israel also fasted.
Apart from this incident, many incidents are heard on the day of Ashura, but there is no authentic record of them.
What is Muharram in Islam? Muharram fasting benefits
Ashura | Definition, History, & Facts – Encyclopedia Britannica