Balaghal ula bi-kamalihi, Kashafad-duja bi-jamalihi

A. K. M. Fazlur Rahman Munshi

On Ashura, Hazrat Musa (peace be upon him) was given victory by Allah, the Lord of Might and Majesty, and Pharaoh and his army were drowned in the Blue Sea. The Children of Israel were thus saved from Pharaoh’s oppression and persecution. Thus, from Yawm al-Musa’s perspective, this day was both the day of freedom for the Children of Israel and the day of triumph for Hazrat Musa (peace be upon him). On this day, Hazrat Musa (peace be upon him) fasted as a way to thank Allah. On this day, Hazrat Musa (peace be upon him) fasted as a way to thank Allah.

The Jews of Madinah were fasting on Ashura when the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) moved to Madinah Munawwarah. They gave the previously described explanation when he enquired why they were fasting. When he heard this, he said, “I have a greater right over Musa (upon whom be peace) [in terms of being a prophet].” As a result, Hazrat Musa (peace be upon him) fasted on that day and instructed all of his companions to do the same in order to show his appreciation for the bounties that Allah had given him. Below are a few Hadiths that discuss the Day of Ashura fast:

(A) Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas states: Upon arriving in Madinah, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) noted that the Jews fasted on Ashura Day (the tenth of Muharram). When he asked them why, they said, “This day is blessed for us”. Hazrat Musa (peace be upon him) fasted on this day because it is the auspicious day that Allah Almighty gave the Children of Israel independence and deliverance. “We have more right to Musa (upon whom be peace) than you do,” said the Prophet (peace be upon him). As a result, he fasted that day and gave the honourable companions instructions to do the same.

[1. Sahih al-Bukhari: Kitab us-Sawm, Bab Siyam Yawm Ashura, Vol. 2, Page 704, Hadith No. 1900;

2. Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Vol. 1, Page 291, Hadith No. 2644;

3. Musnad Abu Ya’li: Vol. 4, Page 441, Hadith No. 2567;

4. Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Quran al-Azim: Vol. 1, Page 92.]

(B) Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) narrates the same Hadith in a different chain as follows: The Jews were fasting on Ashura Day when the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) came to Madinah. So he questioned them about it. “On this day, Allah Almighty gave Hazrat Musa (peace be upon him) and the Children of Israel victory and favour over Pharaoh,” they said. To commemorate and celebrate this incredible achievement, we fast on this day. (Today is our day of victory.) After hearing this, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) declared, “I have a greater right to Hazrat Musa (upon whom be peace) than you do,” and on that day he fasted and instructed the Companions to follow suit.

[1. Sahih al-Bukhari: Kitab al-Fada’il as-Sahaba, Bab Ityan al-Yahud an-Nabi (peace be upon him) Hina Qadama al-Madinah, Vol. 3, Page 1434, Hadith No. 3727;

2. Sahih Muslim, Kitab us-Sawm; Bab Sawm Yawm Ashura, Vol. 2, Page 795, Hadith No. 1130;

3. Sunan Abu Dawud: Kitab us-Sawm, Bab Fi Sawm Yawm Ashura, Vol. 2, Page 326, Hadith No. 2444.]