10th of Ashura and Muharram
Today’s topic is on 10th of Ashura and the month of Muharram
My dear brothers, we are now in the first month of the Islamic calendar, this being the month of Muharram. This is regarded as one of the sacred months.
The imam referenced the 36th ayat of Sura At-tawbah in reference to this. It’s translated to say:
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. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them. And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allah is with the righteous [who fear Him].
Our Prophet SAWS testifies to this month in the following hadith:
The best of fasting after Ramadhan is fasting during Allah’s month of Muharram
Dear brothers, this hadith illustrates to us the significance of the month and the weight that needs to be placed on it. For the Prophet SAWS to tell us that it is Allah’s month should indicate to us the potential we have here to please our Lord in this month.
Also dear brothers, we have in this month we day of Ashura. This is the 10th day of the month and it is tomorrow this year.
Firstly, the story of this day is explained in the following Hadith:
The Prophet SAWS came to Medina and observed that the Jews were fasting on the day of Ashura. Upon enquiring he was told that “This is a righteous day, it is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemies, so Musa fasted on this day.” Our beloved Prophet SAWS responded by saying “We have more right to Musa than you”. And so he fasted on that day and commanded the Muslims to do likewise.
Dear brothers, when we reflect on the mercy shown by Allah SWT to Musa and his followers, we can see why this day is a day that was revered by our Prophet SAWS.
If that isn’t a reason enough to fast, the imam mentioned a hadith in which the reward for fasting on the day of Ashura is relayed. The Prophet SAWS is translated to say:
“Fasting the day of ‘Ashura’, I hope, will expiate for the sins of the previous year.”
Therefore, what is a day to fast dear brothers? It is a day recommended by us all to fast upon so let us use it to increase our worship and thus the pleasure of our Lord.
