The Day of Aashura

The 10th of Muharram also known as the day of Aashura, is one of the most auspicious days in the Islamic Calendar.

Beloved Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasalam)  greatly emphasised the importance of fasting on this day. The Hadith states,

“The fast of Aashura wipes out the sins of a year.” (Muslim)

Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasalam) further advised the Ummah to keep an additional fast a day before or after the 10th. The reason was that the Jews also fasted on the 10th. It was necessary that Muslims be distinct and apart from the practices of non-Muslims.

This leaves a powerful lesson for his Ummah. Muslims will, at any given time or place, be distinct and different from the practices, norms and culture of non-Muslims.