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What Happened on the Day of Ashura? Contextualizing the Events and Meaning of Ashura | Blog

Published: July 15, 2024 • Updated: August 22, 2024

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Moses and Pharaoh

On the day of Ashura, millennia ago, Musa (as) and the Children of Israel achieved a momentous victory over the oppressive tyranny of Pharaoh. Guided by divine command, Musa (as) led his people to the edge of the parted sea, where Allah miraculously allowed them to cross to safety while the pursuing army of Pharaoh drowned.

So We inspired Moses: “Strike the sea with your staff,” and the sea was split; each part was like a huge mountain. We drew the pursuers to that place, and delivered Moses and those with him all together. Then We drowned the others. Surely in this is a sign. Yet most of them would not believe. And your Lord is certainly the Almighty, Most Merciful. (Quran 26: 63-68)

This monumental event, commemorated across many faiths, serves as a timeless testament to the triumph of righteousness over tyranny. It stands not just as a historical account but as a profound spiritual narrative that continues to inspire courage and steadfast faith in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Imagine a nation of enslaved people, walking to the very edge of the land, guided by faith and the promise of divine deliverance, as Allah miraculously carves a path to freedom that defies all natural laws.
The splitting of the sea, a divine gesture of mercy and deliverance, remains a vivid symbol of Allah’s aid to those who steadfastly maintain their trust in Him. It signifies the ultimate victory of justice and freedom, illustrating how the righteous, guided by unwavering faith, can overcome the most formidable adversaries. Commemorating this event by fasting is a solemn reminder that Allah’s assistance is ever-present for those who persevere in righteousness and rely on His divine wisdom and mercy. Victory will come even in the most unlikely of circumstances.

Noah and the Flood

Though it is considered a weak narration, Ashura is potentially “the day that the ship of Prophet Nuh settled upon Mount Judi, and so Prophet Nuh fasted the day out of thankfulness to Allah” [Musnad Ahmad #8717].

And when Our command came and the oven burst [with water], We said [to Noah], “Take into the Ark a pair from every species along with your family—except those against whom the decree [of drowning] has already been passed—and those who believe.” But none believed with him except for a few. And he said, “Board it! In the Name of Allah it will sail and cast anchor. Surely my Lord is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” And [so˺] the Ark sailed with them through waves like mountains. Noah called out to his son, who stood apart, “O my dear son! Come aboard with us and do not be with the disbelievers.” He replied, “I will take refuge on a mountain, which will protect me from the water.” Noah cried, “Today no one is protected from Allah’s decree except those to whom He shows mercy!” And the waves came between them, and his son was among the drowned. And it was said, “O earth! Swallow up your water. And O sky! Withhold [your rain].” The floodwater receded and the decree was carried out. The Ark rested on Mount Judi, and it was said, “Away with the wrongdoing people!” (Quran 11:40-44)

Prophet Nuh (as) faced immense trials and challenges during his mission, and the survival of some of his family and believers shows his obedience to Allah. Victory is not always immediate or apparent, but it comes to those who steadfastly trust in Allah.

Indeed, those who say, “Our Lord is Allah!” and then remain steadfast, the angels descend upon them, [saying,] “Do not fear, nor be grieved! Receive the good news of the paradise, which you have been promised.” (Qur’an 31:40)

Hussein ibn Ali’s Death

Hasan and Hussein were the grandsons of the Prophet ﷺ. He loved them immensely, like many grandparents adore and spoil their grandchildren. Ibn Umar narrated, “I heard the Prophet ﷺ, say, ‘They are my two sweet-basils in the world.’” [Sahih Bukhari #5994]
Ashura also coincides with the martyrdom of Hussein. During the reign of the tyrant Yazid, the Muslim community was already fractured. The people of Kufa promised their support to Hussein through many written letters, should he choose to lead them. The people of Kufa, who promised their allegiance to Hussein, ultimately betrayed him. [Majmu' al-Fatawa] Multiple events led to the eventual martyrdom of Hussein, during a merciless and unfair battle. The final act of unspeakable cruelty saw the savage warriors, Shimir and Sinan ibn Anas, brutally decapitate Hussein, presenting his head on a plate to Ibn Ziyaad. Ibn Ziyaad desecrated this head with a stick and vile mockery. [Majmu' al-Fatawa] What insolent, heart-wrenching behavior towards the one who resembled the Prophet ﷺ, the very child whom the Prophet ﷺ cherished, played with, and kissed.
We feel this love because we love those whom the Prophet ﷺ loved, and he loved his family. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Hussein is from me and I am from Hussein. Allah loves anyone who loves Hussein. He is one of my distinguished descendants.” [Jami’ al-Tirmidhī #3775]
Although the killing and treatment of his corpse was abhorrent, we comfort ourselves knowing, “The martyr does not feel the pain of being killed except as one of you feels the pinch of an insect bite.” [Jami’ al-Tirmidhī #1668]
The victory of Hussein in this case was not an apparent worldly victory but one of the Hereafter. His victory came in the form of martyrdom, and it stands as a testament to the strength of unwavering faith in the face of tyranny. It highlights the profound beauty of understanding life as a dual existence—both in this material world and in eternal Paradise.

Never say that those martyred in the cause of Allah are dead—in fact, they are alive! But you do not perceive it. (Qur’an 2:154)

“Verily, the souls of martyrs are in green birds, hanging from the fruits of Paradise, or the trees of Paradise.” [Jami’ al-Tirmidhī #1641]

In Islam, the honor of martyrdom is revered, for it signifies a triumph that transcends worldly suffering and attains the everlasting bliss and honor of the Hereafter. Shahada, or the verbal testimony of faith in Islam, shares the same word in Arabic with martyrdom (shahada), or the ultimate physical manifestation of one’s willingness to give their life striving for the truth and their sincere belief in Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.
Anas reported: The Prophet ﷺ  said, “No one who enters Paradise would like to return to the world, even if he could have everything on earth, except for the martyr. He will wish to return to the world and be killed ten more times due to the generous reward he sees.” [Sahih al-Bukhari #2817]
Hussein’s sacrifice is a powerful reminder of the eternal glory that awaits those who stand steadfast in their faith, undeterred by the trials of the earthly realm.

Hussein is among the most honored of the Prophet’s family. His patience and steadfastness in the face of tyranny are examples for all Muslims. – Ibn Taymiyyah [Minhaj as-Sunnah an-Nabawiyyah]

On Ashura, we remember the bloodline of our Messenger, the pain of this loss, but also the eternal victory of righteousness and the high station of our martyrs in Islam.
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Palestine’s Victory

Hussein’s end, and our continued hope for worldly and everlasting victory is even more relevant today, as our Palestinian brothers and sisters, with their unwavering dignity and strength, suffer such abhorrent and heart-wrenching barbarity.
Only Allah knows why this genocide has continued. We see the righteous dying before us, and we see the hypocrites quiet beside us. Our anger against oppressors intensifies, and Allah opens our eyes to the way the world has deluded us. Our ibadah increases, as our eyes bear witness to the bombing, beheading, shellings, starvation, stealing, and mockery.
Allah’s granting of victory need not materialize in immediate worldly terms. Whether in our lifetime or beyond, as believers we refrain from measuring victory by earthly metrics. Instead, we entrust our hopes to the greater design of Allah's plans. We remain steadfast in the certainty that Allah will honor the martyrs and reward their sacrifices. With steadfast determination, we strive for victory—a liberated Palestine—using every means within our power, guided by faith and the promise of divine justice.

Commemorating Ashura through fasting

Ashura is derived from the Arabic word ashara meaning ten, and refers specifically to the 10th day of the month of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. The best way to commemorate Ashura is the way of the sunnah, through fasting. This year, as we observe fasting on the 10th of Muharram (July 16, 2024), and we honor a practice dating back to the time before Islam, when even the Quraysh recognized its importance. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized our rightful claim to celebrate Moses’ victory, urging us to fast on this blessed day (Sahih Al-Bukhari #4680). It is recommended to distinguish our fast from that of earlier traditions by fasting a day before (which is preferred) or after Ashura.
Fasting, an act of profound devotion known only to  Allah, serves as a pathway to ultimate victory. It signifies our aspiration to be among Allah’s chosen servants, to secure a place in His eternal Paradise, and to dwell in His presence for eternity. By observing this fast with sincerity and devotion, we align ourselves with the noble tradition of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and affirm our commitment to righteousness and divine obedience. May our fasting on Ashura strengthen our faith, purify our hearts, and bring us closer to the boundless mercy and blessings of Allah.
Learn more about fasting on Ashura by reading Fasting Ashura: What Is Ashura and Why Is It Important? By Sh. Ibrahim Hindy.
This piece has been adapted from the following Yaqeen Videos:
Why Ashura is so important | Khutbah
The Ashura Within | Khutbah by Dr. Omar Suleiman
Virtues of Ashura and How to Observe It | Khutbah by Dr. Omar Suleiman
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