Ashura 2024, Importance of 9th and 10th Muharram
What Does Ashura Mean?
Ashura comes from the Arabic word ‘Ashara,’ meaning ten. Ashura refers to the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. The Day of Ashura is also called ‘Yawm al-Ashura.’
When is Ashura 2024?
Ashura is observed on the 10th of Muharram. In 2024, Ashura falls on July 16th. During this blessed month, we should engage in more righteous deeds such as fasting and other forms of worship to receive Allah’s blessings.
Why is the Day of Ashura Significant in Islam?
1. Ashura Falls in the Month of Muharram
Muharram is known as the ‘Month of Allah’ and is a sacred month in Islam. Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala and The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned that Muharram is the ‘Month of Allah’. [Sahih Muslim]
Rajab, Muharram, Dhul Hijjah, and Dhul Qadah. Together, these four months are referred to as “Ashur E Hurum.”
Allah says in the Quran,
إِنَّ عِدَّةَ ٱلشُّهُورِ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا فِى كِتَـٰبِ ٱللَّهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ مِنْهَآ أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلْقَيِّمُ ۚ فَلَا تَظْلِمُوا۟ فِيهِنَّ أَنفُسَكُمْ ۚ وَقَـٰتِلُوا۟ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ كَآفَّةً كَمَا يُقَـٰتِلُونَكُمْ كَآفَّةً ۚ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ
“Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve—in Allah’s Record since the day He created the heavens and the earth—of which four are sacred. That is the Right Way. So do not wrong one another during these months. And together, fight the polytheists as they fight against you together. And know that Allah is with the righteous.” [Sura At-Taubah, 9: 36]
2. Significant Events on Ashura
Many important events occurred on Yawm al-Ashura:
- Prophet Musa (AS) Saved: Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites from Pharaoh’s oppression.
- Prophet Nuh (AS): Prophet Nuh (Noah) and his followers were saved during the great flood.
- Imam Hussain’s Martyrdom: Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was martyred in the Battle of Karbala.
- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Fasting on the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate the sins of the past year.” [Sahih Muslim]
Good Deeds to Do on Ashura
1. Fasting on Ashura
Fasting is the most significant act on Ashura. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that fasting on Ashura expiates the sins of the past year.
2. Reflection and Repentance
Use this day for self-reflection and repentance. Seek forgiveness for past sins and make resolutions to improve your faith.
3. Charity
Giving to charity is encouraged. Help those in need, as acts of kindness are highly rewarded by Allah.
4. Prayer and Quran Recitation
Spend time in prayer and recite the Quran. Strengthen your connection with Allah through worship.
For Muslims, Yom Ashura holds great spiritual importance. It provides a chance for fasting, introspection, and almsgiving while honoring significant moments in Islamic history. Let us keep in mind the teachings of faith, resiliency, and justice that these times impart as we commemorate Ashura in 2024. Honor the sacrifices made by prophets and religious people throughout history by performing deeds of worship and kindness.
