Ashura is an Arabic term that typically refers to the 10th days of Muharram in which the greatest martyrdom was rendered by Hazrat Imam Husain (RA) for the solidarity of Islam. No doubt, there is great survival of Islam behind the sacrifice of Imam Husain (RA) along with 72 companions who did not accept the proposal of those who were apparently foe of Islam. Despite just little amount, Imam Husain (RA) and his companions encountered all the challenges with dignity and courage and did not withdraw but took a stand against the opponent of Islam. Eventually, at the 10th of Muharram the leader of the true class was killed by the hand of Shimer the minister of Yazid and his head was hanging on the spike of a javelin. Consequently, such gloomiest days (Ashura) are celebrated with full of tears in all over the world.
Though there is the immense significance of Ashura, here we shall just elaborate the 10th virtues of the 10th of Muharram.
1. The event of Karbala occurred in the sacred month
Indeed, the name of Muharram is derived from haram which means “pure” or “forbidden”. Moreover, the Holy Quran also considers Muharram as the sacred month, “Verily! the calculation of months, in the sight of Allah, is twelve months, laid down in Allah’s decree on the day when He created the skies and the earth; and out of these months, four are sacred. (Surah At-Taubah, Verse No: 36)
2. People should avoid worldly gossip
On the 10th of Muharram, people should avoid discussing the meaningless gossip to each other but they should maximum recite the Holy Quran for the martyrs of Karbala. So, they will not only get the reward of reading the Quran but also get the huge reward by reading on the behalf of martyrs as well.
3. Muslims must realize the event of Karbala
On the 10th of Muharram Muslims should feel about the starvation and extreme thirst which caused the death of poor children. When they will realize, so obviously they will take away from laughing and doing ill-mannered deeds. Moreover, we should believe in the event of Karbala seriously, otherwise, our behavior would be considered as Munafeqeen. As Allah says, “When it is said to them (Munafiqeen): “Have faith in as the others believe” they replied: “Shall we believe as the fools believe?” Nay, of a surety they are the fools, but they do not know”
4. Muslims should distribute water and food among the poor
As this day recalls the memory of those poor children who passed their some days under the huge starvation and thirst. Even the water was in front of them but they were not allowed to touch the water. Therefore, we should distribute the water and foods to feel the unkindness actions from the opponents against the family of Prophet ﷺ. And in return Allah (SWT) grants the immense reward to do so.
5. Read the Holy Quran in the gloomy night of 1oth Muharram
The night of 10th of Muharram was the saddest and touches of the melancholy night because 72 humbled were killed and rest were arrested and behaved violence. So, we should read the Holy Quran as much as we could because of sending them a reward and getting as well.
6. The creation of Adam and Eve
In fact, Allah (SWT) is beyond the time and space but Allah-Almighty created the lunar cycles such as sun, moon and other planets just for Adam and Eve so that they could manage the time. As the war or any kind of bloodshed is forbidden in this month, that’s why Allah-Almighty created both Adam and Eve in the sacred month of Muharram so that they should remain peaceful.
7. The persistence of Musa and Bani Israel
This is the month in which Prophet Musa (AS) was secured along with his people by Allah (SWT) in the Red Sea. On the contrary, Pharaoh and his army were drowned in the depth of water. As Allah says in the Holy Quran: (interpretation) “Then Lord grabbed the offspring of Israel through the sea, so Pharaoh with his congregations trailed them in tyranny and animosity, till after drowning reached him, he said, “None has the right to be worshipped but God, in whom the offspring of Israel have faith in, and I am Muslim one of them.”
Here and now you have faith in although you declined to believe before and you were one of the sinners! Consequently this day I shall convey your dead body out from the sea that you must a sign to those who will come after you! Verily, several among people are thoughtless of our secrets signs.
8. The Ark of Prophet Noah (AS) landed on this day
According to different references, the Ark of Noah (AS) was landed on the Mount Judi on the day of 10th Muharram. As the meanings of Muharram are peaceful, so the loaded on the Arch were came to peace in the 10th of Muharram.
9. Keeping Sawm (Fast) from Prophet ﷺ on 10th of Muharram
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ highly recommended the Sawm (fast) on the day of 9th and 10th of Muharram. Not only Prophet ﷺ kept the Sawm in these sacred days during the Prophethood but also before it to recall the Sunnah of his forefathers.
10. The purpose of keeping Sawm (Fast) on this day
Since Sawm actual purpose is to remain the body sacred and peaceful, that’s why Allah (SWT) commands to keep the Sawm whole month of Ramadan. As for as Sawm in Muharram is concerned, so obviously it is the month of peaceful and Sawm further increases its importance.
