As we approach Muharam (translates as ‘sacred’) which is the first month of the Lunar calendar and is considered one of the four sacred months in which even engaging in a battle is regarded as unlawful, except in defense against aggression. Muslims in general are aware of the importance and virtues of months like Ramadan and Zul-Hajah, however, few are aware about Muharram and its benefits.   Ashura means the "Tenth" in Arabic, which refers to the tenth day of Muharram. Ashura holds a very significant place in Islamic history. From the beginning of human existence great signs of Allah’s glory have appeared on this day; the outstanding features of which have been referred to by several authentic traditions. Some of these events documented in Islamic literatures are as follows:

Prophet PBUH settled in Madinah after migrating from Makah on this day. This migration is referred to as the ‘Hijrah’ and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

It was on this day that the repentance of the first parents of mankind, Adam and Hawa (Peace be on him) were accepted by Allah for disobeying His orders and eating from the forbidden tree and their exile from Paradise and coming to this world.

On this sacred day the skies and the Earth came into existence.

The ship of Prophet Noah(Peace be on him)came to rest on a mountain called Al-Judi after the flood that vanished the non believers.

Prophet Ibrahim(Peace be on him)was born and got the title of Khalil-ullah (friend of Allah).

Prophet Yunas AS, after being swallowed by a huge fish was casted out (alive) on the shore.

Prophet Mosa(Peace be on him)and his followers were saved from the army of Pharaoh (Pharaoh and his army were vanquished into the river). Mosa(Peace be on him)fasted on this day to thank Allah for His mercy.

Prophet Suleman(Peace be on him)was made a king to rule over mankind, Jins, Animals and the air.

The first time it ever rained on Earth was the 10th of Muharram. It is believed that the day of resurrection will take place on this day.

This day also marks the sad day when In the year 61 AH (after Hijrah), the beloved grandson of the Prophet PBUH, Imam Hussain, was martyred together with 72 of his kith and kin by an army acting under the orders of Yazid. The massacre occurred on the plains of Karbala in modern day Iraq.

Fasting on the day of Ashura:

The tradition of Ashura fasting was obligatory on Muslims in the beginning. In the second year of hijrah (624 CE) when Allah’s command came that Muslims should fast the month of Ramadan, the Prophet PBUH then told Muslims that fasting of Ashura had become voluntary (nafl).  

Fasting on this day has great virtues and rewards.  Prophet PBUH said, "Fasting the day of Ashura is of great merits, I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the sins committed in the previous year" [Muslim].  In a different hadith it says, “The best of fasts besides the month of Ramadhan is the fasting of Muharram” [Muslim].

Prophet PBUH fasted on the 10th of Muharaml. The people said: 'O Messenger of Allah, it is a day that the Jews and Christians honor.' He PBUH said, 'When the following year comes --Allah willing-- we shall fast also on the 9th.' The death of the Prophet PBUH came before the following year" [Bukharie].  Tribe of Quraish used to fast in the pre-Islamic period on this day (following the tradition of Mosa AS). This hadith encourages the followers to keep an additional fast a day before or after Ashura to differentiate the Muslim fasting from Jew fasting.

Ashura, the 10th of Muharam, in 2018 is on the 20th of September