Ashura: Hisatory, Fasting, Dua, and Hadiths

Taha Jutt

Ashura, observed on the 10th of Muharram, is a significant day in Islam with deep historical and spiritual importance. For Sunni Muslims, it marks the day Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites from Pharaoh, while for Shia Muslims, it commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) at Karbala. This article explores the history of Ashura, its Islamic rulings, fasting benefits, recommended duas (supplications), and authentic Hadiths.

Table of Contents

1. The History of Ashura

A. The Day of Salvation for Prophet Musa (AS)

  • According to Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 3397), when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) arrived in Medina, he saw Jews fasting on Ashura.
  • He learned they were commemorating Allah’s deliverance of Musa (AS) and the Israelites from Pharaoh’s tyranny.
  • The Prophet (PBUH) said, “We have more right to Musa than you,” and fasted and encouraged Muslims to do the same.

B. The Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) (Shia Perspective)

  • For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a day of mourning for Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of the Prophet (PBUH), who was martyred in Karbala (680 CE).
  • This event symbolizes sacrifice for justice and resistance against oppression.

2. Fasting on Ashura: Sunnah & Rewards

A. The Prophet’s (PBUH) Practice

  • Fasting on Ashura was obligatory before Ramadan’s fasting was prescribed (Sahih Muslim 1125).
  • Later, it became a recommended Sunnah.
  • The Prophet (PBUH) said:“Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope, will expiate the sins of the previous year.”
    (Sahih Muslim 1162)

B. How to Fast ?

  • Option 1: Fast only on the 10th of Muharram.
  • Option 2 (Recommended): Fast on the 9th and 10th (to differ from Jewish tradition).
    • The Prophet (PBUH) intended to fast on the 9th next year but passed away before doing so (Sahih Muslim 1134).

While there is no specific dua mentioned in authentic Hadiths for Ashura, Muslims are encouraged to:

  • Seek forgiveness (Istighfar).
  • Recite general Quranic duas (e.g., Surah Al-Ikhlas, Ayatul Kursi).
  • Make heartfelt personal supplications.

A commonly recited general dua for Muharram:

“Allahumma bika asbahna wa bika amsayna wa bika nahya wa bika namootu wa ilaykan-nushoor.”
(O Allah, by You we enter the morning, by You we enter the evening, by You we live, by You we die, and to You is the return.)

4. Authentic Hadiths

  1. Expiation of Sins:
    • “Fasting the day of Ashura expiates the sins of the past year.” (Sahih Muslim 1162)
  2. Differing from the Jews:
    • “If I live till next year, I will fast the ninth (along with the tenth).” (Sahih Muslim 1134)
  3. Virtue of Muharram Fasting:
    • “The best fasting after Ramadan is in Allah’s month, Muharram.” (Sahih Muslim 1163)

Conclusion

Ashura is a day of reflection, fasting, and gratitude for Allah’s blessings. Whether commemorating Prophet Musa’s (AS) victory or remembering Imam Hussain’s (RA) sacrifice, Muslims should use this day to seek forgiveness, increase worship, and uphold justice.

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