The history, virtues, and lessons of Ashura

In the history of Islam, there are certain days and nights that hold special status and significance in the sight of Allah the Almighty. The 10th of the Arabic month of Muharram—known as ‘Yawm-e-Ashura’—is one such glorious day.

This day is not merely a commemoration of a historical event; rather, it stands as a symbol of Allah’s aid, the triumph of truth, the defeat of oppression, and a profound lesson for believers. It is essential for a Muslim to understand the true significance of this day in the light of the Quran and Sunnah.

Authentic Hadith indicates that even before the Prophethood of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), the Quraysh honored this day, and the covering (Kiswah) of the Kaaba used to be replaced on this occasion. Aisha (RA) said, “People used to observe the fast of Ashura before the fasting of Ramadan became obligatory, and the covering of the Kaaba used to be replaced on this day.

Later, when the fasting of Ramadan became mandatory, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, ‘Whoever wishes may fast, and whoever wishes may leave it.'” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith: 1592) An authentically established historical event associated with the Day of Ashura is that Allah the Almighty saved Musa (AS) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh’s tyranny on this day and destroyed Pharaoh and his army by drowning them in the sea. Allah the Almighty says, “Then We saved Musa and all those with him.

Thereafter, We drowned the other group (Pharaoh and his army).” (Surah Ash-Shu’ara, Verses 65-66).
On the 10th of Muharram in the year 61 AH, Hazrat Hussain (RA)—the beloved grandson of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and the leader of the youth of Paradise—attained martyrdom on the plains of Karbala. This is a heart-rending and tragic event in the history of Islam. To this day, the Muslim Ummah remembers this event with deep sorrow.

Besides, many memorable and epoch-making events—including the creation of the heavens and the earth—took place on the holy day of Ashura. Brief headings of twenty events associated with the month of Muharram are listed below:

1. The creation of the heavens, the earth, and the mountains. 2. The creation of Adam (AS). 3. The landing of Nuh (AS) on Mount Judi following the Great Flood. 4. Prophet Adam (AS)’s entry into Paradise. 5. Prophet Adam (AS)’s descent from Paradise to Earth and his reunion with Hawwa (AS) following the forgiveness of his sin.

6. Bestowal of earthly sovereignty upon Hazrat Sulaiman (AS). 7. Hazrat Yunus (AS) being rescued from the belly of a fish in the Tigris River after 40 days. 8. Hazrat Musa (AS) being saved from the clutches of Pharaoh. 9. The arrival of Hazrat Isa (AS) on earth and his ascension to the heavens while still alive. 10. The ascension of Hazrat Idris (AS) to the heavens.

11. Bestowal of special honor upon Prophet Dawud (AS). 12. Achieving victory in the Battle of Khaybar. 13. Achieving victory in the battles of Mada’in and Qadisiyah. 14. The deliverance of Ibrahim (AS) from the blazing fire kindled by Nimrod. 15. Hazrat Ayyub (AS) being cured of an incurable disease after suffering for 18 long years.

16. Saving Prophet Nuh (AS) from the Great Flood. 17. Restoration of the lost kingdom to Prophet Sulayman (AS). 18. Prophet Yaqub (AS)’s reunion with his lost son, Prophet Yusuf (AS).

19. The migration of the beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah. 20. The brutal martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his 77 close associates on the plains of Karbala. (Al-Bidaya wan-Nihaya, 1/132).