We have entered a new year in the Islamic calendar. Muharram, which is the beginning month (month number 1) of this year, is called “Month of Allah” and fasting within it is recommended.
The Day of Aashoora’ (10th of Muharram) is particularly a special day that is deeply related to prophets in the past. It is said, for example, that on the Day of Aashoora, Allah accepted the repentance of Aadam (Adam), let Nooh (Noah) and his people survive in the ark, saved Ibraheem (Abraham) from the fire into which he was thrown in, gave Ten Commandments to Moosa (Mose), cured the disease of Aiyoob (Job), let Yoosof (Joseph) return to his father Ya’qoob (Jacob), got Yoonus (Jonah) out of the stomach of the fish, forgave Dawood (David), restored the kingdom of Sulaiman (Solomon) to him, and raised Eisa (Jesus) to heavens (mercy and peace be upon all mentioned prophets).
Also, it was this day that Allah opened the sea for the Jews at their Exodus and drowned Pharaoh and his army. Jews used to fast on this day, as Musa did so out of gratitude. Upon seeing this, Prophet Muhammad (Allah’s mercy and peace be upon him) said, “It is us who should fast. We are closer to Musa than you” and he fasted that day himself and ordered the others to fast as well.
The Day of Aashoora’ was on October 11th this year. Just like in the month of Ramadan, Iftar was served by the Masjid. May Allah forgive all the sins from the previous year, for all those that fasted on this day.
[Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said the following regarding the Day of Aashoora’: “it expiates the sins of the last year”]. Narrated by Muslim.
[Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said the following: The best fasting after fasting of Ramadan is that of month of Allah; Muharram]. Narrated by Muslim.
