Day of Ashura
Today is the day of Ashura, a very historic day in Islam. Let's dissect what the Day of Ashura is
The Day of Ashura is one of the days that has important meaning in the Islamic calendar. The 10th of Muharram is not just an ordinary day, but a day that holds various historical events, faith values, and lessons that can be learned by Muslims. From the time of Prophet Moses to Rasulullah Muhammad SAW, Ashura has always been a moment of reflection, worship and strengthening of faith. Muslims around the world commemorate Ashura with various forms of worship, especially by fasting as a form of following the Prophet's sunnah.
As one of the special days in the month of Muharram which is also known as the month of Allah (Syahrullah), Ashura is an opportunity to get closer to Allah SWT, remember the struggles of the prophets, and improve oneself. my writing this time will discuss the meaning, history and wisdom of the 10th day of the month of Muharram, namely the day of Ashura, as a guide for Muslims to understand its virtues and practice them.
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|| The meaning and significance of Ashura in Islam ||
Etymologically, Ashura comes from the Arabic word "'asharah" which means ten. So, Ashura refers to the 10th day of the month of Muharram in the Hijri calendar. This day has been known and glorified since the time of Prophet Musa AS and continues to be preserved in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.
In Islam, Ashura has a very high spiritual meaning. This day is a reminder of Allah's help to His servants who are obedient and patient in facing trials. Muslims are invited to make Ashura a momentum for introspection, strengthening faith, and increasing good deeds.
Rasulullah SAW explained the virtues of fasting on the day of Ashura in a hadith narrated by Muslim: "I hope to Allah that fasting on the day of Ashura can erase the sins of the past year." This hadith shows that Ashura is a day that is highly recommended for fasting because of its great reward value.
Fasting on the day of Ashura is also a form of gratitude among Muslims for the safety of Prophet Musa and the Children of Israel from the pursuit of Pharaoh. This makes Ashura not only a ritual of worship, but also a form of appreciation for the history of the prophets' struggle to uphold the truth.
By understanding the meaning of Ashura, it will be easier for us as Muslims to learn the lessons and use them as a basis for improving ourselves, increasing charity, and growing empathy for others.
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|| Important History Behind the Day of Ashura ||
Ashura Day has a number of important events that Muslims should remember. One of the most monumental events associated with the day of Ashura is the salvation of Prophet Musa AS and his people from the pursuit of Pharaoh. In the Qur'an, this story is contained in several verses which emphasize God's miracles and help to believers.
When Rasulullah SAW migrated to Medina, he found that the Jews were fasting on the day of Ashura as a form of thanksgiving for the victory of Prophet Musa. The Prophet Muhammad SAW also said that he had more rights towards Moses than them, so he also fasted on that day and encouraged his people to fast.
Apart from that, in Islamic history, the day of Ashura is also known as the day the grandson of Rasulullah SAW, Husain bin Ali RA, died in the tragic incident in Karbala. This event left a deep wound in the history of the Muslim community and made Ashura a moment to remember sacrifices in defending the truth.
In several other traditions, the day of Ashura is also believed to be the day when Prophet Noah AS came down from the ark after the great flood, as well as the day when Prophet Yunus AS was expelled from the belly of a fish. All these events show that Ashura is a day full of miracles and Allah's help for His prophets.
With so many important events occurring on the day of Ashura, Muslims are invited to reflect on the meaning behind these events. Today is not just about the ritual of fasting, but also about how we appreciate the struggle and obedience of the prophets to Allah SWT.
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|| Virtues and Practices on the Day of Ashura ||
The Day of Ashura has many virtues that are mentioned in authentic hadiths. One of the main practices on this day is fasting. The Ashura fast was prescribed based on the practice of the Prophet Muhammad who fasted on that day and encouraged his followers to do so too.
Among the virtues of the Ashura fast is the erasure of the sins of the past year. This is a form of love from Allah SWT who gives His servants the opportunity to repent and improve themselves by doing light deeds but with great rewards.
Apart from fasting, it is also recommended to do more good deeds on the day of Ashura, such as giving alms, strengthening friendships, and increasing remembrance and prayer. This is in line with the spirit of Ashura as a day of worship and goodness.
Other sunnah practices include giving food to the poor, helping others, and teaching children to participate in worship. All of this aims to ensure that the spirit of Ashura is embedded in the lives of the people from an early age.
Scholars also recommend that the Ashura fast be performed together with the previous day (9 Muharram or Tasu'a) or the day after (11 Muharram) as a form of differentiation from Jewish customs. This shows that in celebrating Ashura, Muslims still maintain the identity and sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.
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|| Wisdom and Lessons from the Day of Ashura ||
The day of Ashura contains many lessons that can be learned by Muslims. First, Ashura teaches the importance of patience and steadfastness of faith in facing trials, as exemplified by the Prophets Moses and Husain.
Second, Ashura is a momentum to emulate the prophets in maintaining monotheism and upholding the truth. In a modern life full of challenges, the spirit of Ashura can be a reminder to remain consistent on the path of Allah.
Third, Ashura instills a sense of empathy and social concern. Many scholars recommend increasing charity and helping the poor on the day of Ashura, as a form of concern for fellow human beings.
Fourth, Ashura is the right time to renew intentions and commitments in worship. The new Hijri year has just begun, and Ashura can be a starting point towards a better life spiritually.
Fifth, Ashura also makes people aware of the importance of learning from history. The major events that occur on this day are not only to be remembered, but to be used as inspiration in building a better Islamic civilization.
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|| Welcoming Ashura with a Sincere Heart ||
Understanding the meaning, history and wisdom of the day of Ashura gives us provisions to fill this special day with pious deeds. Ashura is not just an annual commemoration, but a spiritual moment that can strengthen faith and clear the heart.
In the midst of fast-paced and modern life, Ashura invites Muslims to stop for a moment, reflect, and return to noble Islamic values. This is an opportunity to increase your worship, get closer to Allah SWT, and improve your relationships with others.
By making Ashura a momentum for goodness, we can revive the spiritual spirit in society. Let's welcome the day of Ashura with fasting, prayer, alms and sincerity so that our lives will be increasingly blessed by Allah SWT.
May Allah accept our deeds on the day of Ashura, forgive our sins, and make us servants who are always grateful and steadfast in His path.
That's all my writing this time, hopefully it is useful, thank you.
Regards @nazaroel