Walk in faith with taqwa: Lessons from Ashura

Every year, on the 10th day of Muharram, we commemorate the day of Ashura which holds profound spiritual and historical importance and serves as a reminder of Allah’s might, mercy and our commitment to humanity.

Ashura is a day of remembrance, where we reflect on the trials and tribulations faced by their beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family. The event marks the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Hussein ibn Ali, and his noble companions at the Battle of Karbala, while we also remember miraculous events such as Allah splitting the sea for Prophet Musa (AS) and the way Allah protected Prophet Nuh (AS) and his followers as they preached the message of Tawhid.

Ashura serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of social justice and standing up against oppression. The sacrifice of Imam Hussein highlights the duty of every individual to oppose tyranny and uphold righteousness, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

We remember the way Prophet Musa (AS) fought Faruun with pure conviction that he will be protected by the Divine for standing by what is right and just. Because of this, Allah gave him a staff to split the sea to bring forth a new world outside of the clutches of oppression to the oppressed.

We also remember that Ashura marks the day that Prophet Nuh’s the ark came to rest on Mount Judi after he built it to escape the floods that destroyed the world only for it to be rebuilt.

The day of Ashura is considered an opportune time for self-reflection and seeking forgiveness from Allah. We fast on this day as an act of repentance and a means to purify the soul.

Narrated by Ibn Abbas: The Prophet (peace be upon him) came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He asked them about it, and they replied, "This is a blessed day. On this day, Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy (in Egypt), and so Prophet Musa (Moses) fasted on this day giving thanks to Allah." The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "We have more right to Musa (Moses) than you," and he fasted on that day and commanded Muslims to fast on it (Bukhari). 5.

Ashura is a way to connect with the legacy of anti-oppression in our Islamic history and it’s a time to recognise the power of God-consciousness. When we walk with faith, do what is just and remember the sheer power of Allah, we set ourselves up for reward in this life and the next.