The Significance of Ashura Through the Story of Prophet Nuh (AS)

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (164–241 AH) and Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (773–852 AH) narrated a hadith from Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) highlighting another aspect of the observance of Ashura: it was a day of Allah’s favour and reward for Prophet Nuh (AS) and his companions, when their Ark safely came to rest on Mount Judi.

The followers of Prophet Nuh (AS) therefore observed the day as an occasion of gratitude. It later became a day of honour and remembrance for those who came after them. According to a narration from Abu Huraira (RA), when the Prophet Muhammad (S.) asked the Jews about fasting on Ashura, they said it was the day Allah granted freedom to the Children of Israel from Pharaoh and the day the Ark of Nuh (AS) came to rest on Mount Judi. Prophet Nuh (AS) and Prophet Musa (AS) fasted that day in gratitude to Allah.

Hearing this, the Prophet Muhammad (S.) said that Muslims had a greater claim to Prophet Musa (AS) and instructed his Companions to fast on that day.

Sources: Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Al-Musnad, Vol. 2, pp. 359–360, Hadith 8702; Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Fath al-Bari, Vol. 4, p. 247.

The significance of Ashura is further enhanced through its connection with Prophet Nuh (AS), described as the second Adam. The survival of Nuh (AS) and his believers represented the survival of humanity and laid the foundation for the continuation of the human race.

His people continued to remember the day and express gratitude to Allah. This establishes the principle that events associated with the collective salvation, freedom and survival of believers should be remembered with gratitude and joy as part of Islamic culture and civilisation.

Therefore, the blessed day of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (S.) will likewise continue to be regarded and celebrated by believers as a day of Eid until the Day of Judgment.