The bloody tradition of Ashura. Blessed Day of Ashura History of Ashura Day

The name "Ashura" itself comes from the Arabic word ashara, which means "ten". In 2019, according to the Gregorian calendar, it falls on September 9th.

According to the Koran, the creation of the heavens and the first man on earth falls on this day. Doomsday (apocalypse, end of the world) will also come on the day of Ashura. And on this day, messengers and prophets are commemorated.

Sunni Muslims and Shia Muslims celebrate the tenth day of the month of Muharram in different ways.

Creation of heaven

According to the Qur'an, this day is the creation of heaven, earth, angels, the first man - Adam, who was also the first prophet. On the same day, the Almighty also accepted Adam's repentance.

On the Day of Ashura, Allah ordered Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail, and raised the prophet Isa to heaven.

This day is one of the significant days for the community of the prophet Nuh (Noah) - Allah granted Nuh and his followers, who were with the prophet on the ark, salvation from death in the waters of the great flood.

Nuh and the Muslims who were with him during the great flood set foot on the earth on the Day of Ashura.

On the Day of Ashura, Allah granted salvation to his other great prophet and his community - the prophet Musa (Moses), from the pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt.

Ashura Day is of great historical significance for the community of the Prophet Muhammad. On the tenth day of the month of Muharram, in the fourth year of the Hijra, a battle called Zat Ar-rika was supposed to take place, but it did not take place, because the enemy fled from the battlefield, leaving their property and families behind.

Muslims believe that the Almighty protected his prophet and his followers from the harm of unbelievers.

Fasting on the day of Ashura began as early as the Prophet Muhammad after moving from Mecca to Medina in 622.

But when the obligatory fasting of Ramadan was established, fasting on the day of Ashura became voluntary but desirable among Sunni Muslims.

Shahsey-wakhsey

For Shia Muslims, this post is obligatory, since the day of Ashura coincided with the main date of the Shiite religious calendar - the day of commemoration of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, Imam al-Hussein ibn Ali, who on this day died the death of a martyr - a fighter for the faith.

To avoid internecine strife, Hasan, the eldest grandson of the Prophet, entered into an agreement with the caliph (supreme ruler) Muawiyah that after his death, his heir would not claim the title of caliph for himself.

However, Yazid, the son of Muawiya, tore up this agreement and illegally seized power. Being despotic and vicious, he wanted to subjugate Imam Hussein, Hasan's younger brother. He was looking for an opportunity to carry out the insidious plan, and began to implement it when Hussein went to Kufa with 72 members of his family and relatives.

Yazid and his 30,000-strong army surrounded Hussein and his companions near the Euphrates River. The battle, the outcome of which was a foregone conclusion, began on the tenth month of Muharram. Imam Hussein himself was inflicted 29 stab wounds and 27 cut wounds, and then his head was cut off.

Since then, the Shiites mourn the martyrdom of Hussein for the first ten days of the month, observe strict fasting and mourning, and also arrange special theatrical performances reproducing episodes of the battle of Karbala and the death of the imam.

In the squares and streets, scaffolds are being built on which these performances are played - mourning, commemoration, mourning, and so on. The indispensable attributes of these representations are empty jugs and furs for water, symbolizing suffering from thirst, a luminous tenur (furnace), where, according to legend, Hussein's head was hidden, shrouds and pieces of black mourning cloth, daggers, axes, stones, chains and arrows.

On the days of mourning, processions of mourners pass through the cities and villages, who carry black banners; some marchers beat their chests with their fists and stab themselves with chains and daggers. Processions are accompanied by loud weeping and exclamation: "Shah Hussein, wah, Hussein!" (hence the European name for this custom - "shahsey-wakhsey").

Sunni Muslims also honor the memory of Imam Hussein, but mourning and fasting on the Day of Ashura are not obligatory for them.

Traditions

On the Day of Ashura, as well as on the ninth and eleventh of the month of Muharram, it is advisable to fast and give alms.

According to one of the hadiths, fasting on the Day of Ashura cleanses a Muslim from sins for the previous and subsequent years, and for a grain of alms (sadaqa) on the Day of Ashura, Allah Almighty will give a reward equal to Mount Uhud.

So, on the Day of Ashura, they distribute sadaqah, make children and loved ones happy, read the Koran and do other charitable deeds.

Fasting is observed only until the evening, and with the sunset, a festive meal begins. Ashure is always put on the table - a kind of pudding made from chickpeas, wheat, beans and dried fruits.

In general, on this day you need to cook something from peas and dried fruits, as these products symbolize abundance.

Ashure is the main dish of the first month of the Muslim year, and shops even sell special kits for making this pudding. And on the day of Ashura it is customary to distribute it to the poor.

In addition to the traditional ashure, dishes of beans, lentils and meat are served on the table. For children, they make sweet cookies - chareki - and cook sherbet.

Material prepared on the basis of open sources.

‘Ashura’- the tenth day of the month of al-Muharram. On this day, Noah's ark sailed to land, and the messenger of the Lord Noah fasted for the rest of his life on this day in gratitude to the Lord. Also, it was on this day that Moses and his people were saved from the evil of the pharaoh, who was sunk along with his army. Moses also fasted on this day for the rest of his life in gratitude to Allah for salvation. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) fasted on this day before his migration to Medina. After the arrival of the messenger of God in Medina, on the tenth day of the month of al-Muharram, he saw that the Jews were also fasting. Having learned the reason, he confirmed to his companions the desirability of fasting, stipulating that it is rewarded and is the reason for expiation of the sins of one year. Moreover, the Bedouin Arabs fasted on this day even before the start of the prophetic mission of Muhammad and changed the cover of the Kaaba on that very day.

Hadith about the day of Ashura

The Prophet Muhammad said: “The best fast after [fasting] Ramadan is in the month of God al-Muharram. The best prayer [-prayer] after the obligatory [five] is the prayer [-prayer] at night [before dawn]."

‘Aisha narrated: “The day of ‘Ashura’ was a day of fasting for the Arabs even before the start of [Muhammad’s] prophetic mission. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) observed this fast. When he [the final messenger of God] arrived in Medina, as he himself fasted that day, so he ordered others to fast. After establishing the month of Ramadan as a month of obligatory fasting, he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever wishes, he may fast [in ‘Ashura’], and whoever does not wish, he may not fast.”

“Al-Ash‘as ibn Qays once went to ‘Abdullah Ibn Mas‘ud on the day of ‘Ashura’. Seeing that he was eating, he exclaimed: “Today is ‘Ashura’ ?!” ‘Abdullah replied: “On this day they [strictly] fasted until the obligatory fasting in the month of Ramadan was approved. After [mandatory] disappeared. If you are not fasting, then join the meal.”

From ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar it is transmitted: “Before the prophetic mission of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), the Arabs fasted on the day of Ashura. The Prophet used to fast on this day with his Companions until the month of Ramadan became the month of obligatory fasting. When this happened, the Messenger of God said: “Indeed, ‘Ashura’ is one of the days of Allah (God, Lord). Whoever wishes may fast on this day, and whoever does not wish may not fast.” Ibn ‘Umar fasted on this day only when it coincided with the days of his additional fasts.

Abu Musa al-Ash‘ari said: “The Jews exalted and considered the day of ‘Ashura’ sacred. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Fast on this day [and] you [O Muslims].”

Ibn ‘Abbas said: “On arrival in Medina [after some time, when the month of al-Muharram came], the Prophet found the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’. He asked them: “What is this day on which you fast? [What is the reason for your fasting on this particular day?]”. They answered him: “This is a great day! Allah (God, Lord) saved Musa (Moses) and his people [from the evil of their enemy] on this very day, drowning the pharaoh along with the army. Therefore, Musa (Moses) fasted on this day in gratitude [to the Creator]. And we are fasting on this day.” The Messenger of the Lord exclaimed: “We [Muslims] are more paramount than [left] by Musa (Moses) [being representatives of the final stage of the religious development of mankind].” The Prophet Muhammad fasted himself and commanded others.”

Mu'awiya ibn Abu Sufyan narrated: “I heard the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “This day is ‘Ashura’, fasting is not obligatory (not fard). I am fasting. You do as you wish (as you wish) ”, .

There is a hadith, which stipulates that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of God be upon him) said shortly before his death: “If the next year comes, then, with God’s blessing (in sha’al-la), we will fast on the ninth day [of the month of al-Muharram]." But he (God bless and greet him) did not live until ‘Ashura’ next year.

In the collection of hadiths of Imam Ahmad, there is a hadith where the prophet Muhammad says: “Fast on the day of ‘Ashura’ and do not be [unnecessarily] like the Jews. Fast [also] the day before and the day after.”

So, we can conclude that the most prudent is to fast on the ninth, tenth and eleventh days of the month of al-Muharram. You can also fast on the ninth and tenth days, or only on the tenth. At the same time, one must not forget that in all three cases, fasting is additional, but the reward for it is great: "Fasting on the day of 'Arafah is the cause of the expiation of the sins of the past year and the future, and fasting on the day of 'Ashura' is the expiation of the sins of the past" , . Imam al-Nawawi, commenting on the hadiths about the forgiveness of sins, said: “First of all, minor sins of a person (sagair) are compensated. If there are none, then the burden of major sins (kabair) is reduced. If the latter are also absent, then the degree of righteousness of a person before God increases.

Fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’ once again confirms the unity of the roots of monotheistic religions, including in religious practice.

The answer to the question about the day of ‘Ashura’

It is known that the day of ‘Ashura’ among Shiite Muslims is accompanied by deep mourning. Does this have any basis in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)?

According to the Sunnah of the Prophet, the day of 'Ashura' is a historically significant day, as stated earlier, and a day on which the extra fast is greatly rewarded. Nothing else is specified in the authentic Sunnah regarding this day.

As for mourning among Shiite Muslims, this is the result of the historical coincidence of the death of Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, and the day of ‘Ashura’. He was killed precisely on the tenth day of the month of al-Muharram. Hussein's supporters made this day mourning by inventing a number of hadiths to justify their innovation. Those who contributed to the death of the grandson of the Prophet made this day a holiday, also introducing fictitious hadiths into practice, allegedly justifying the canonical validity of this. This kind of fanaticism and innovation is strictly rejected by Islam and unacceptable. Muhaddith scholars excluded all these unreliable hadiths from religious use, but at the level of folk customs this is still found today.

Blind and deaf fanaticism divides people into opposing sides, makes them enemies when they should be kindred spirits before God. The Quran says: “And verily, this is my path, which is straight, follow it. Do not follow paths that take you away from the path of the Lord [take you away from faith]. He [the Lord of the worlds] bequeaths this to you, perhaps you will be God-fearing [you will come to life in soul, you will begin to see clearly and begin to distinguish good from evil, striving to do the former and not look for justifications for the latter] ”(Holy Quran, 6: 153).

See, for example: Mavsu'a Fiqhiya Kuwaitia [Muslim Legal Encyclopedia of Kuwait]. In 45 volumes. Kuwait: Ministry of Waqfs and Islamic Affairs, 2012, vol. 29, p. 219; al-‘Askalyani A. Fath al-bari bi sharh sahih al-bukhari [Discovery by the Creator (for a person in understanding the new) through comments on the set of hadiths of al-Bukhari]. In 18 vols. Beirut: al-Kutub al-‘ilmiya, 2000. V. 5. S. 307.

St. x. Ahmad. See, for example: al-‘Askalyani A. Fath al-bari bi sharh sahih al-bukhari [Discovery by the Creator (for a person in understanding the new) through comments on the set of hadiths of al-Bukhari]. In 18 vols. Beirut: al-Kutub al-‘ilmiya, 2000. V. 5. S. 309, 310 and 311.

See: an-Naisaburi M. Sahih Muslim [Code of Hadith of Imam Muslim]. Riyadh: al-Afkyar ad-davliya, 1998. S. 438, hadith No. 128–(1130).

See, for example: al-Bukhari M. Sahih al-bukhari [Code of Hadith of Imam al-Bukhari]. In 5 vols. Beirut: al-Maqtaba al-‘asriyya, 1997. Vol. 2. S. 592, hadith No. 2002; al-‘Askalyani A. Fath al-bari bi sharh sahih al-bukhari [Discovery by the Creator (for a person in understanding the new) through comments on the set of hadiths of al-Bukhari]. In 18 vols. Beirut: al-Kutub al-‘ilmiya, 2000. V. 5. S. 311.

St. x. at-Tabarani. See, for example: al-‘Askalyani A. Fath al-bari bi sharh sahih al-bukhari [Discovery by the Creator (for a person in understanding the new) through comments on the set of hadiths of al-Bukhari]. In 18 vols. Beirut: al-Kutub al-‘ilmiya, 2000. V. 5. S. 310.

See, for example: an-Naisaburi M. Sahih Muslim [Code of Hadith of Imam Muslim]. Riyadh: al-Afkyar ad-davliya, 1998, p. 452, hadith no. 202–(1163) and a similar hadith no. 203–(1163); al-Nawawi Ya. Sahih Muslim bi sharh al-Nawawi [Collection of hadiths of Imam Muslim with comments by Imam al-Nawawi]. At 10 vol., 6 pm Beirut: al-Kutub al-‘ilmiya, [b. G.]. T. 4. Ch. 8. S. 54 and 55, hadith No. 202–(1163) and explanation to it; Abu Dawud S. Sunan abi Dawud [Collection of Hadith of Abu Dawud]. Riyadh: al-Afkyar ad-davliya, 1999. S. 276, hadith no. 2429, "sahih".

See also, for example: at-Tirmidhi M. Sunan at-tirmidhi [Code of Hadith of Imam at-Tirmidhi]. Beirut: Ibn Hazm, 2002. p. 243, hadith no. 739 and 740.

‘Ikrimah was once asked about this. He replied, “One day the Quraysh tribe did something sinful. It weighed down their hearts. They were told: “Fast on the day of Ashura. This will contribute to the expiation of sin." See, for example: al-‘Askalyani A. Fath al-bari bi sharh sahih al-bukhari [Discovery by the Creator (for a person in understanding the new) through comments on the set of hadiths of al-Bukhari]. In 18 vols. Beirut: al-Kutub al-‘ilmiya, 2000, vol. 5, p. 309; ash-Shawkyani M. Neil al-avtar. In 8 vols. T. 4. S. 259; al-Qardawi Yu. Fatawa mu‘asyr. T. 1. S. 399.

See: al-Bukhari M. Sahih al-bukhari [Code of Hadith of Imam al-Bukhari]. In 5 vols. Beirut: al-Maqtaba al-‘asriyya, 1997. Vol. 2. S. 592, hadith No. 2002; al-Naisaburi M. Sahih Muslim [Code of Hadith of Imam Muslim]. Riyadh: al-Afkyar ad-davliya, 1998. S. 436, hadith No. 113–(1125); Abu Dawud S. Sunan abi Dawud [Collection of Hadith of Abu Dawud]. Riyadh: al-Afkyar ad-davliya, 1999. S. 277, hadith no. 2442, "sahih".

See also: al-Bukhari M. Sahih al-bukhari [Collection of Hadith of Imam al-Bukhari]. In 5 vols. Beirut: al-Maqtaba al-‘asriyya, 1997. V. 2. S. 592, hadith No. 2001; al-Naisaburi M. Sahih Muslim [Code of Hadith of Imam Muslim]. Riyadh: al-Afkyar ad-davliya, 1998. S. 436, hadith No. 115–(1125).

See: an-Naisaburi M. Sahih Muslim [Code of Hadith of Imam Muslim]. Riyadh: al-Afkyar ad-davliya, 1998. S. 437, hadith No. 124–(1127).

See also: al-Bukhari M. Sahih al-bukhari [Collection of Hadith of Imam al-Bukhari]. In 5 vols. Beirut: al-Maqtaba al-‘asriyya, 1997. T. 3. S. 1362, hadith No. 4503.

See: an-Naisaburi M. Sahih Muslim [Code of Hadith of Imam Muslim]. Riyadh: al-Afkyar ad-davliya, 1998. S. 436, hadith No. 117–(1126); Abu Dawud S. Sunan abi Dawud [Collection of Hadith of Abu Dawud]. Riyadh: al-Afkyar ad-davliya, 1999. S. 277, hadith no. 2443, "sahih".

See: al-Bukhari M. Sahih al-bukhari [Code of Hadith of Imam al-Bukhari]. In 5 vols. Beirut: al-Maqtaba al-‘asriyya, 1997, vol. 2, p. 563, hadith no. 1892; al-Naisaburi M. Sahih Muslim [Code of Hadith of Imam Muslim]. Riyadh: al-Afkyar ad-davliya, 1998. S. 436, hadith No. 119–(1126).

See: an-Naisaburi M. Sahih Muslim [Code of Hadith of Imam Muslim]. Riyadh: al-Afkyar ad-davliya, 1998. S. 438, hadith No. 129–(1131); al-Bukhari M. Sahih al-bukhari [Code of Hadith of Imam al-Bukhari]. In 5 volumes. Beirut: al-Maqtaba al-‘asriyya, 1997. Vol. 2. S. 593, hadith No. 2005.

See: al-‘Askalyani A. Fath al-bari bi sharh sahih al-bukhari [Discovery by the Creator (for a person in understanding the new) through comments on the set of hadiths of al-Bukhari]. In 18 vols. Beirut: al-Kutub al-‘ilmiya, 2000. V. 5. S. 310.

See: an-Naisaburi M. Sahih Muslim [Code of Hadith of Imam Muslim]. Riyadh: al-Afkyar ad-davliya, 1998. S. 438, hadith No. 128–(1130); al-Nawawi Ya. Sahih Muslim bi sharh al-Nawawi [Collection of hadiths of Imam Muslim with comments by Imam al-Nawawi]. At 10 vol., 6 pm Beirut: al-Kutub al-‘ilmiya, [b. G.]. T. 4. Ch. 8. S. 9, hadith No. 128–(1130).

See also: al-Bukhari M. Sahih al-bukhari [Collection of Hadith of Imam al-Bukhari]. In 5 vols. Beirut: al-Maqtaba al-‘asriyya, 1997. Vol. 2. S. 593, hadith No. 2004; Abu Dawud S. Sunan abi Dawud [Collection of Hadith of Abu Dawud]. Riyadh: al-Afkyar ad-davliya, 1999. S. 277, hadith no. 2444, "sahih".

See: al-Bukhari M. Sahih al-bukhari [Code of Hadith of Imam al-Bukhari]. In 5 vols. Beirut: al-Maqtaba al-‘asriyya, 1997. Vol. 2. S. 592, hadith No. 2003; al-Naisaburi M. Sahih Muslim [Code of Hadith of Imam Muslim]. Riyadh: al-Afkyar ad-davliya, 1998. S. 438, hadith No. 126–(1129).

See also hadiths on the topic, for example: See: ash-Shawkyani M. Neil al-avtar. T. 4, p. 256, 257, Hadith No. 1706, 1707, 1709-1713; Imam Malik. Al-muwatto [Public]. Beirut: Ihya al-‘Ulum, 1990, pp. 232, 233, Hadith No. 665, 666, 667; al-Kurtubi A. Talkhys sahih al-imam Muslim. T. 1. S. 439–440; Abu Dawud S. Sunan abi Dawud [Collection of Hadith of Abu Dawud]. In 2 volumes, 4 hours. Cairo: al-Hadith, [b. G.]. T. 1. Ch. 2. S. 339, Hadiths No. 2442-2444; Ibn Abu Sheiba A. Al-musannaf fi al-ahadith wa al-asar [Collection of Hadith and Narratives]. In 8 vols. Beirut: al-Fikr, 1989, vol. 2, pp. 470–473; al-San'ani A. Al-musannaf [Collection of Hadith]. In 11 volumes. Beirut: al-Maktab al-Islami, 1983. V. 4. S. 285–291, hadiths No. 7831–7852.

See: an-Naisaburi M. Sahih Muslim [Code of Hadith of Imam Muslim]. Riyadh: al-Afkyar ad-davliya, 1998. S. 439, hadith No. 133–(1134); ash-Shawkyani M. Neil al-avtar. In 8 vols. T. 4. S. 260, hadith No. 1714; Abu Dawud S. Sunan abi Dawud [Collection of Hadith of Abu Dawud]. Riyadh: al-Afkyar ad-davliya, 1999. S. 277, hadith No. 2445, "sahih"; al-‘Askalyani A. Fath al-bari bi sharh sahih al-bukhari [Discovery by the Creator (for a person in understanding the new) through comments on the set of hadiths of al-Bukhari]. In 18 vols. Beirut: al-Kutub al-‘ilmiya, 2000. V. 5. S. 308.

See, for example: ash-Shawkyani M. Neil al-avtar. In 8 vols. T. 4. S. 260, hadith No. 1714 (last riwayat); al-‘Askalyani A. Fath al-bari bi sharh sahih al-bukhari [Discovery by the Creator (for a person in understanding the new) through comments on the set of hadiths of al-Bukhari]. In 18 vols. Beirut: al-Kutub al-‘ilmiya, 2000. V. 5. S. 308.

See, for example: al-‘Askalyani A. Fath al-bari bi sharh sahih al-bukhari [Discovery by the Creator (for a person in understanding the new) through comments on the set of hadiths of al-Bukhari]. In 18 vols. Beirut: al-Kutub al-‘ilmiya, 2000. V. 5. S. 308.

See, for example: al-‘Askalyani A. Fath al-bari bi sharh sahih al-bukhari [Discovery by the Creator (for a person in understanding the new) through comments on the set of hadiths of al-Bukhari]. In 18 vols. Beirut: al-Kutub al-‘ilmiya, 2000. V. 5. S. 309.

A believer understands that this kind of hadith does not allow committing sins for years, as if sins can be quickly expiated by one or two days of fasting. This kind of hadith reveals the essence, grace (barakat) and great value before God of some days, the performance of good deeds on which is most remarkable, and, if you like, beneficial in terms of goodness in this life and in eternity.

Hadith from Abu Qatada; St. X. Ahmad, Muslim and Abu Dawud. See: an-Naisaburi M. Sahih Muslim [Code of Hadith of Imam Muslim]. Riyadh: al-Afkyar ad-davliya, 1998. S. 451, hadith No. 197–(1162); al-Suyuty J. Al-jami ‘as-sagyr. S. 312, hadith no. 5055, 5057, "sahih"; ash-Shawkyani M. Neil al-avtar. In 8 vols. T. 4. S. 254, hadith No. 1701.

See: al-Nawawi Ya. Sahih Muslim bi sharh al-Nawawi [Collection of hadiths of Imam Muslim with comments by Imam al-Nawawi]. At 10 vol., 6 pm Beirut: al-Kutub al-‘ilmiya, [b. G.]. T. 4. Ch. 8. S. 51, hadith No. 197–(1162); al-‘Aini B. ‘Umda al-kari [Support of the guest]. In 20 volumes. Egypt: Mustafa al-Babi, 1972. Vol. 1. S. 267, 268; ash-Shawkyani M. Neil al-avtar. In 8 vols. T. 4. S. 255; al-Qardawi Yu. Fatawa mu‘asyr. T. 1. S. 398.

See, for example: Mavsu'a Fiqhiya Kuwaitia [Muslim Legal Encyclopedia of Kuwait]. In 45 volumes. Kuwait: Ministry of Waqf and Islamic Affairs, 2012. Vol. 29. P. 221.

There are such unreliable hadiths: “Whoever is generous on this day to his family, Allah (God, Lord) will be generous to him throughout the next year” and “Whoever anoints his eyes with antimony on the day of Ashura, they will never get sick ". There are several hadiths of this kind, but all of them, according to the scholars of hadith, are unreliable or invented (mavdu‘). See, for example: al-‘Ajluni I. Kashf al-hafa’ wa muzil al-ilbas. In 2 parts Beirut: Al-kutub al-‘ilmiya, 2001. Part 2. S. 253, hadith No. 2641 and explanation to it; al-Albani M. Silsila al-ahadith ad-da‘ifa and al-mawdu‘a [A series of unreliable and fabricated hadiths]. In 4 volumes. Ar-Riyadh: al-Ma'arif, 1992. T. 2. S. 89.

The month of Muharram is one of the four holy months for Muslims, and the 10th day of the month is called the day of ‘Ashura (from the word “ashara”, which means “ten”) There are many different stories and parables regarding this day. Historically, it so happened that for many millennia, perhaps millions of years, significant events occurred on this day that concerned some prophets (peace be upon them) and the Creator (He is Holy and Great).

Day of Ashura‒ the day of commemoration of the prophets of the messengers of Allah (peace be upon them). On this day, Allah provided help and attention to 10 prophets, and this is also one of the ten days when the Almighty shows his generosity.

The first historical event associated with this day occurred during the time of the forefather of all mankind and prophet adam(peace be upon him). By His mercy, the Almighty accepted repentance from Adam on the day of Ashura.

Prophet Idris(Enoch) (peace be upon him) was lifted up on the day of Ashura.

Idris asked a trusted angelic friend to take him to heaven. He agreed to satisfy the request and began to rise with the prophet to an incomprehensible height. At the fourth heavenly level, they met the angel of death and asked: “Tell me, please, how long does Idris have left to live?” "And where he?" - said the angel of death. "Here he is," exclaimed Idris' friend. “Amazing, I was ordered to take his soul at the fourth heavenly level, even though he [as a human] is supposed to be on earth?!” And took the soul of Idris.

St. Hadith of Ibn Habban

Ibn Kuteiba said that " Idris was taken up by an angel when he was three hundred and fifty years old.". [See, for example: Al-‘Askalyani A. Fath al-bari bi sharh sahih al-bukhari: V 18 vol., 2000. V. 8. S. 463.]

Day of Ashura is one of the significant days for the community Prophet Nuh (Noah)(peace be upon him). On this day, Allah granted Nuh (Noah) (peace be upon him) and his followers, who were with the prophet on the ark, salvation from death in the waters of the Great Flood. Noah's Ark has established itself on Mount al-Judiy. (Holy Quran, 11:44)

On this day was born Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham)(peace be upon him), on this day he was raised to the level of khalil, on the same day he was saved from fire.

It was on this day that salvation had to be Prophet Musa (Moses)(peace be upon him) and his people, from the evil of the pharaoh, who was sunk along with his army.

One of the greatest examples of sincere and competent piety before God in the history of mankind is Prophet Yunus (Jonah)(peace be upon him) was rescued from the whale's belly on the day of Ashura. The whale, from whose stomach he prayed to Allah for salvation, swam to the shore and, opening his mouth, released him.

On this day Allah accepted repentance (tawba) Dauda (David)(peace be upon him).

Allah brought through trial and difficulty Prophet Suleiman (Solomon)(peace be upon him), depriving him of power and might for a while. On the day of ‘Ashura, the Almighty returned power to his beautiful slave.

On this day he was raised alive to the Lord Prophet Isa (Jesus)(peace be upon him), then to return to earth until the End of the World.

Fasting on the day of Ashura

On the day of Ashura Prophets Nuh and Musa(peace be upon them), as a sign of gratitude to the Lord of the Worlds for the miraculous salvation, fasting was observed. The inhabitants of Arabia have known about fasting on the day of Ashura since ancient times. On this great day, even the Arabs observed a fast during the Jahiliyyah. One day the tribe of Quraysh did something sinful and it weighed them down, they were told to fast on the day of 'Ashura to atone for sin. [See, for example: Ash-Shavkyani M. Neil al-avtar. T. 4, p. 259; al-Qaradawi Yu. Fatawa mu'asyr. T 1, p. 399]

On this day, the Quraish changed the material that covered the walls of the Kaaba, it was a solemn and honorable tradition of the Arabs.

Mother of the Faithful ‘Aisha(May Allah be pleased with her) said:

The day of Ashura was a fasting day for the Arabs even before the prophetic mission of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). When the Prophet arrived in Medina, he himself fasted on that day and ordered others to fast. After the establishment of the obligatory fast in the month of Ramadan, Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to the people: “Whoever wants, he can fast [in ‘Ashura], and whoever does not want, he can not fast.

St. hadith al-Bukhari (2003), Muslim (1130)

In the early years of Islam, fasting on the day of Ashura was an obligatory fast, and even after the obligatory fast was moved to Ramadan, it still had an honorable position.

One of the greatest companions, Ibn ‘Abbas, said: “The Prophet arrived in Medina and saw that the Jews were fasting on the day of ‘Ashura. He asked them: “What is this?” They replied: “This is a great day, on this day Allah saved Musa and drowned the Pharaoh’s family, and Musa fasted this day, in gratitude to Allah.” Then the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “I am closer to Musa than you,” then he fasted and ordered to observe this fast.

St. hadith of al-Bukhari (3397)

Prophet Muhammad(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) thus showed his companions that these events took place, thus confirming the unity of the roots of monotheistic religions, including in religious practice.

Fasting on the day of Ashura is obligatory (mustahab). A believer always remembers the words of the Almighty, transmitted in the hadith-qudsi:

The most beloved of all that My servant does in an effort to draw near to Me is what I have charged him with a duty. And My servant will strive to come closer to Me, doing something extra, until My Divine love is manifested to him.

Al-Bukhari Riyadh: Al-Afkar ad-dawliya,

1999. S.1247, hadith No. 6502

If this fast is carried out as it should be, with hope in Allah, righteously and correctly, then Allah forgives the sins of the past year for him.

Here are some hadeeths about fasting on the day of Ashura:

Whoever fasts three days in every month and Ramadan, he is constantly fasting, for fasting on the day of Arafat, I hope that Allah will erase the sins of the previous year and the future, and for fasting on the day of Ashura, I hope that Allah will erase the sins of the previous of the year.

Holy Hadith Muslim (2803)

The best fast after Ramadan is fasting in the month of Allah, Muharram.

Holy Hadith of Muslim (1163)

“When the next year comes, if Allah wills, we will fast on the ninth day,” but before the next year came, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) died.

Holy Hadith Muslim (2722)

Fast on the day of ‘Ashura, but don’t be [unnecessarily] like the Jews, fast [also] on the day before and the day after.

Hadith from Ibn ‘Abbas,

St. Hadith of Ahmad (2154)

Imam Ahmad said: “Whoever wishes to fast on the day of Ashura, let him fast on the ninth and tenth. If he begins to doubt the calculation of the month, then let him fast for three days, and this was said by Ibn Sirin". [Cm. “al-Mughni” 4/441]

Sheikh Ibn al-Qayyim said: " Fasting on this day has three types: The best of them is a fast with a day before and a day after it. Then the next kind is fasting on the ninth and tenth day, and this is indicated by most of the hadith. And after that, there is a fasting only on the day of ‘Ashura, the tenth day. As for fasting only on the ninth day, this is the reason for the misunderstanding of the hadiths on this topic and its transmission routes! And this opinion is erroneous in terms of language and Sharia". [See: Zadul-ma'ad, 2/76]

Also regarding fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’, the day before and after it (9th, 10th, 11th days of the month of Muharram) can be found in the books: Ash-Shavkyani M. Neyl al-avtar. In 8 vols. T. 4. S. 256-261, hadiths No. 1706-1714 and commentaries on them; al-Qardawi Yu. Al-muntaka min kitab "at-targhib wat-tarhib" lil-munziri. T. 1. S. 303, hadiths No. 528-530, all “sahih”.

The Holy Quran says:

Hasten to earn forgiveness from your Lord and a heavenly abode, vast as the Earth and heaven, which is prepared for the God-fearing.

Holy Quran 3:133

May the Almighty help us understand the essence of our mortal existence, the eternal and at the same time the ultimate destiny of man, and choose the path that corresponds to His Word and leads to the achievement of happiness and prosperity in both worlds - in the earthly world and in the eternal world! Amine.

Radia Zavdetovna,

Mahalla №1

*With comments by Sh. Alyautdinov

Used sources:

Sh. Alyautdinov "Answers to your questions about Islam"

Sh. Alyautdinov “The Holy Quran. Meanings»

Sh. Alyautdinov "The path to faith and perfection"

We recently entered the new year of 1440 according to the Muslim lunar calendar - which begins with the month of Muharram. It was at this time that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his noble companions made the migration - the Hijra from Mecca to Medina, and the countdown of the Muslim calendar began from this event.

The month of Muharram - the very name of which comes from the word "haram", the prohibition, was considered one of the four sacred, forbidden months even among the Arabs before Islam. During these months - Muharram, Rajab, Dhul-Qada and Dhul-Hijja - it was forbidden to start wars. The Quran says about these months:

“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months, as it is written in the Book of Allah, on the day (when) He created the heavens and the earth. Of these, four forbidden (months)" (9:36).

The most significant day in this month is the tenth day - the day of Ashura (whose name comes from the word "ashara", ten). In 2018, this day falls on September 20.

On this day, according to various reports, many significant events of our sacred history took place - on the tenth day of this month, Heaven, Earth, angels and the first man, Adam, were created. The day of Ashura is considered the day when messengers and prophets are commemorated - on this day the ark of the prophet Noah (Nuh), peace be upon him, safely landed on Mount Ararat (Judi), and the prophet Moses (Musa), peace be upon him, and his community escaped from the persecution of the pharaoh .

Fasting on the Day of Ashura

The most desirable action to celebrate this day is fasting. According to legend, the prophet Nuh, peace be upon him, fasted on this day in gratitude to Allah for salvation from the flood (reported from Imam Ahmad). The Arabs before Islam are also reported to have fasted on this day (reported from Tabarani).

When the final Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his community moved to Medina, they saw that the Jewish community were fasting on that day.

Our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked the Jews: “What is this day on which you fast?” They replied that this is a great day on which the Lord saved Musa (peace be upon him) and his community (the sons of Israel) from the persecution of the pharaoh when he drowned in the Red Sea along with his army. Therefore, Musa fasted on this day in gratitude to the Creator. And we are fasting on this day.” Hearing this, the Messenger of the Almighty (peace and blessings be upon him) exclaimed: “We (Muslims) are closer to Prophet Musa and more worthy to follow him than you”, and therefore he himself kept a fast on this day and ordered his community to keep a fast on this day (Sahih Muslim).

As narrated in hadith, fasting on the day of Ashura was considered obligatory before the month of Ramadan became the month of obligatory fasting. When fasting was established in the month of Ramadan, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Indeed, Ashura is one of the days of Allah. Whoever wishes may fast on this day, and whoever does not wish may not fast.” (Sahih Muslim). That is, fasting on this day is considered a desirable act, unlike fasting during Ramadan.

In the collection of hadiths of Imam Ahmad, there is a hadith where the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) says: “Fast on the day of Ashura, and do not be (unnecessarily) like the Jews. (For this) fast the day (before the day of Ashura) and the day after it.

From this, the scholars conclude that it is most correct to fast on the ninth, tenth or ninth, tenth and eleventh days of the month of al-Muharram.

At the same time, one must not forget that although fasting on this day is desirable, the reward for it is very great. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said:

“Fasting on the day of ‘Arafah is the cause of atonement for the sins of the past year and the future, and fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’ is the atonement for the sins of the past year” (Sahih Muslim).

Imam an-Nawawi, commenting on such hadiths about the forgiveness of sins, said: “First of all, minor sins of a person (sagair) are forgiven. If there are none, then the burden of major sins (kabair) is reduced. If the latter are also absent, then the degree of righteousness of a person before God increases.(Commentaries of Imam Nawawi to the collection of Sahih Muslim).

A person devoted to the Almighty, of course, should not think that one can sin all year, and then fast for one or two days, and all sins will be forgiven. The point is that doing good deeds on some days is especially rewarding and valuable for this and the future life.

How else can you celebrate the day of Ashura?

By tradition, Muslims in different countries prepare special dishes on this day, invite guests and distribute sadaka. The reason for this is the message where the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“Whoever increases his expenses for his family on the day of Ashura, Allah will increase his livelihood for the rest of the year” (Reported by Tabarani and Baikhaki).

From this they conclude that on the day of Ashura, in addition to fasting, generosity towards the family and spending money that is usually spent on food is highly welcomed.

In Turkey and some other Muslim countries, on the day of Ashura, a special dish is prepared, which is called Ashure or Ashura, which is something like porridge made from grains of wheat, beans and dried fruits.

According to legend, its history dates back to the time of the Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him). When the ark of Nuh (peace be upon him) landed on Mount Judy (Ararat), he ordered his community to collect - who had any food left. They only had a little bit left: a little grain, a little fruit. And then this hearty and tasty dish was prepared. Despite the fact that this legend is hardly reliable, nevertheless, this dish is traditional for many Muslim peoples.

There are many misconceptions among Muslims about the Day of Ashura. In particular, some believe that Ashura is a day of mourning and mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (may Allah be pleased with him). There are no serious reasons for such an opinion. The day of Ashura was considered an important day even in the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), while Imam Hussein (may Allah be pleased with him) died fifty years after the death of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

So, the day of Ashura is a great day that should be spent with benefit, observing fasting, if possible, and turning to the Almighty with prayers. InshaAllah, this will bring us benefit and success in both worlds.

Muslima (Anna) Kobulova

Question.

What days should you fast in the month of Muharram?

Answer.

Fasting in the month of Muharram is not obligatory, but whoever fasts in this month is rewarded by Allah. According to a hadith, fasting in Muharram is the most significant among voluntary fasts: “After fasting in the month of Ramadan, fasting in the month of Muharram is considered the most worthy and best fast.” . (Riyazu "s-Salihin, II, 504)

The most blessed day of the month of Muharram is its 10th day - the Day of Ashura, which this year falls on September 9th. Our Prophet (peace be upon him) advised to fast on the 9th, 10th and 11th days of the month. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said that the Jews fast only on the Day of Ashura and in order to distinguish Muslims from them, he advised to fast for 2 days in a row.

One of the hadiths says: "Fasting on the day of Ashura will be the reason for the forgiveness of all the mistakes and sins committed during this year." (Riyazu "s-Salihin, II, 509).

Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “When the Prophet (peace be upon him), who arrived in Medina, saw that the Jews were fasting on the day of Ashura, he asked them: “What is this?” They replied: “It is a good day, the day when Allah saved the children of Israel from their enemy, and therefore Musa began to fast on this day.” To this, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “I have more rights to Musa than you!”, After which he began to fast on this day himself and ordered everyone else to do it.

The mother of all the righteous, Aisha (peace be upon her) said:

“During the time of Jahiliyyah, the Quraysh fasted on the day of ‘Ashura and the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) also fasted on this day. When he arrived in Medina, he did not stop fasting on this day and ordered others to observe this fast. When fasting in the month of Ramadan was made obligatory, he stopped fasting on the day of Ashura. And since then, whoever wanted to, observed this fast, and who did not want to, did not do this.. (Bukhari, "Saum", 69).

Another verse regarding this reads as follows: "Qais ibni Sa'd ibni Ubaba (peace be upon him) reports that on the day of Ashura we fasted and paid alms. But since fasting in the month of Ramadan and paying zakat became fard, these deeds have not become forbidden for us, we continued to fulfill them"(Nesai, Zakat, 35).

The virtue of fasting on the day of Ashura is mentioned in many hadiths:

One day, a man came to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and asked: “At what time would you advise me to fast except in the month of Ramadan?” Our Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Keep fasting in the month of Muharram. Because it is the month of Allah. There is a day in it on which Allah accepted the repentance of one of the tribes, and may forgive the rest. (Tirmizi, "Savm", 40).

Another hadith says: “The best fast after the month of Ramadan is fasting in the month of Muharram” (Ibn Maja, "Siyam", 43).

In a hadith narrated from Tirmidhi, it is said that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) reported: (Tirmizi, "Savm", 47)

Interpreting this hadith, Imam Ghazali said: “The month of Muharram is the beginning of the Hijra year. It is very good to start this time by fasting. There is hope that the barakat, the blessing will be with you for a long time.

Therefore, fasting on the Day of Ashura is a Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). Therefore n Do not miss the opportunity to receive a reward from the Almighty and earn His pleasure!