In the Islamic year, there are certain days which are more virtuous than others. One such day is the 10th of Muharram, otherwise known as the Day of ‘Ashura. Do you know the 10 virtues of this special day? Read on below to find out!
Do you know that there are four sacred months in Islam? In the Al-Qur’an, Allah S.W.T. mentions as such:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.” (Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 36)
Muharram means; to have been sacred. This was the month where pilgrims would return to their land and adjust to their daily lives.
The other sacred months are: Rejab, Zul-Qa’dah and Zulhijjah.
The blessed day of ‘Ashura falls on 10th Muharram, one of the sacred months. This means that good deeds will bring about bigger and greater rewards in this month of Allah S.W.T.
When the Prophet S.A.W. came to Madinah, he saw that the Jews were fasting on the Day of ‘Ashura. They said, “This is the day when Moses became victorious over Pharaoh (Firaun)”.
The Messenger of Allah S.A.W. then said to his companions, “You (Muslims) have more right to celebrate Moses’ victory than they have, so observe the fast on this day.”
The reason Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. fast on the 9th of Muharram along with the 10th is to differentiate our fast from the fasting of the Jews.
“I never saw the Messenger of Allah S.A.W. so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other day than this day, the day of ‘Ashura.
Ibn ‘Abbas R.A., (Al-Bukhari)
Fasting on the day of ‘Ashura is a means of having our (minor) sins being forgiven by The Most Merciful.
The Prophet S.A.W. said, “Fasting the day of ‘Arafah I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year before it and the year after it and fasting the day of ‘Ashura I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.” (Sahih Muslim)
The Messenger of Allah S.A.W. said: ‘The best of fasting after Ramadhan is fasting Allah’s month of Muharram.” (Sahih Muslim)
While in another hadith, Abu Hurairah R.A. reported, “I asked the Prophet S.A.W.: ‘Which prayer is the best after the obligatory prayers?’ He said: ‘Prayer during the middle of the night.’ I asked: ‘Which fasting is the best after that of Ramadhan?’ He said, ‘The month of Allah S.W.T. that you call Muharram’ (Sahih Muslim)
Being charitable, especially towards your families, is a noble act in itself. There are many blessings for the one who is extra generous to their family. Now imagine treating your family on one of the most virtuous days of the year!
The Messenger of Allah S.A.W. is reported to have said, “One who generously spends on his family on ‘Ashura (10th of Muharram), Allah will be generous on him for the entire year.” (Al-Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman)
Let’s commemorate the day of ‘Ashura in the best way possible as we continue to spread goodness, unity, peace and love to everyone around us. May Allah S.W.T. shine His light of mercy upon us and may we reap all the great blessings from this incredible month of Muharram.
