The month of Muharram is not merely the start of the new Hijri year. For a Muslim, this month is a spiritual “school” that holds great significance. Within it lie special days that serve as golden opportunities to draw closer to Allah SWT.
In a scholarly discussion, Islamic scholars divide the ten special days of the year into three main groups: the first ten days of Muharram (including the Day of Ashura), the last ten days of Ramadan (including Laylat al-Qadr), and the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah (including the Day of Arafah).
Understanding Ashura: More Than Just a Number
Linguistically, Ashura derives from the word Al-Asyirah (the tenth), referring to the 10th day of the month of Muharram. However, the meaning of Ashura runs far deeper than just a number; it is a symbol of honor and reverence. The Day of Ashura is a day full of blessings, when the gates of forgiveness are wide open for those who sincerely seek to draw closer to Allah through charity, fasting, and righteous deeds.
The grandeur of Ashura was recognized even before the advent of Islam. This day stands as a silent witness to Allah’s assistance to His Prophets.
In a narration from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) explained why Muslims place such great importance on this day:
“This is the day on which Allah saved Moses and the Children of Israel from drowning and drowned Pharaoh on it, and this is the day on which the ship came to rest on…
Mount Judi, so Noah and Moses fasted in gratitude to Allah, the Exalted
“Today is the day when Allah, the Exalted, saved Prophet Moses and the Children of Israel from drowning and drowned Pharaoh. On this day, Prophet Noah’s ark came to rest on the summit of Mount Judi. Prophets Noah and Moses also fasted (on this day) as a sign of their gratitude to Allah!” (Narrated by Ahmad)
Upon hearing this, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“Indeed, I have a greater right than Prophet Moses to fast on this day.”
Then the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “I have a greater right than Moses, and I have a greater right to fast on this day.”
In fact, in the book Mukâsyafah al-Qulûb, Imam al-Ghazali summarizes the extraordinary events that occurred on the day of Ashura. From the creation of the universe, to the ascension of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) to heaven, to the acceptance of Prophet Adam’s (peace be upon him) repentance—all of these took place on this glorious day.
Initially, fasting on Ashura was obligatory for Muslims. However, after the command to fast during Ramadan was revealed, its ruling changed to sunnah. Aisha (ra) narrated:
“The Quraysh used to fast on the day of Ashura during the pre-Islamic era, and he (the Prophet) used to fast it, and when he migrated to Medina, he fasted it and ordered others to fast it; but when the month of Ramadan was made obligatory, he said: ‘Whoever wishes may fast it, and whoever wishes may leave it’
“In the pre-Islamic era, the Quraysh used to fast on the day of Ashura. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself also observed the fast of Ashura. When he migrated to Medina, he continued to observe the fast of Ashura and commanded the people to fast. Then, when fasting during the month of Ramadan was made obligatory, he said, ‘Whoever wishes to fast on Ashura, let him fast, and whoever wishes to leave it, let him leave it.’” (Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Although it is now considered a Sunnah, its virtue is immense. Fasting on the day of Ashura serves as a means to atone for the minor sins of the previous year. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“It (the fast of Ashura) can atone for the sins of the previous year.” (Narrated by Muslim)
Understanding the grandeur of the day of Ashura should encourage us not to miss this precious moment in the month of Muharram. In addition to fasting, we are encouraged to fill these special days by increasing our charity and other righteous deeds.
Let’s make the month of Muharram a starting point for self-improvement in the new year. Have we prepared our intentions to follow the example of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) in giving thanks and to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through fasting on Ashura?
It’s not just about fasting; Ashura can also be the perfect moment to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in caring for orphans. Come on, you can donate through https://digital.dompetdhuafa.org/donasi/bestianyatim. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text: Roseta
Editor: Dhika