There are many texts in the Shari’ah (from the Ahadeeth) regarding this day.

‘Ashoora’ in the Sunnah:

1- ‘Aishah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) narrated: “The Quraish used to fast on the day of ‘Ashoora’ in the pre-Islamic period and Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to fast on that day too. When he came to Madinah, he fasted on that day and ordered others to fast also. Later, when the fasting of the month of Ramadan was prescribed, he gave up fasting on the day of ‘Ashoora’, and it became optional for one to fast it or not.” [Al-Bukhaari no. 2002]

2- Ibn ‘Abbaas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) narrated: “The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Ashoora’. He asked them about that. They replied: ‘This is a good day, the day on which Allaah rescued Bani Isra’eel from their enemy. So, Musa [Moses (‘Alayhis-salaam)] fasted this day.’ The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘We have more claim over Moses than you.’ So, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) fasted on that day and ordered (the Muslims) to fast (on that day).” [Al-Bukhaari no. 2004]

3- Ibn ‘Abbaas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) narrated: “I never saw the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) seeking to fast on a day more (preferable to him) than this day, the day of ‘Ashoora’, or this month, i.e. the month of Ramadan.” [Al-Bukhaari no. 2006]

4- Abu Qatadah reported that a person came to the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and inquired about the fast. Then ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) asked the Prophet about different ways of fasting, whereupon the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “…and I seek from Allaah that fasting on the day of ‘Ashoora’ may atone for the sins of the preceding year.” [Muslim no. 1162]

5- Rubayyi’ daughter of Mu’awwidh ibn ‘Afra (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) said that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) sent (a person) on the morning of ‘Ashoora’ to the villages of the Ansaar around Madinah (with this message): “He who got up in the morning fasting (without eating anything) should complete his fast, and he who had his breakfast in the morning, should complete the rest of the day (without food).” The Companions said: “Henceforth we observed fast on it (on the day of ‘Ashoora’) and God willing, made our children observe that. We went to the mosque and made toys out of wool for them and when anyone felt hungry and wept for food, we gave them these toys till it was time to break the fast.” [Muslim no. 1136]

6- Ibn Abbaas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) was asked about the observance of fast on the day of ‘Ashoora’, whereupon he said: “I do not know of Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) singling out any day’s fast and considering it more excellent than another, except this day (the day of ‘Ashoora’) and this month, meaning the month of Ramadan.” [Muslim no. 1132]

7- Abu Musa (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported: “The day of ‘Ashoora’ was one which the Jews respected, and they treated it as ‘Eid.” The Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “You also observe fast on this day.” [Muslim no. 1131a]

8- Abu Musa (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported that the people of Khaibar (most of them were Jews) observed fast on the day of ‘Ashoora’ and they treated it as ‘Eid and gave their women ornaments and beautiful dresses to wear. The Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “You (only) observe fast on this day.” [Muslim no. 1131b]

The Story of ‘Ashoora’ is an evidence for Tawheed

On the day of ‘Ashoora’, Allaah (Ta’ala) rescued Musa (‘Alayhis-salaam) and those who were with him of the people of Tawheed from Fir’awn (Pharaoh), the most aggressive tyrant known in history.

Allaah (Ta’ala), by His Might, destroyed Fir’awn and the disbelievers who rejected His Messenger. And by His Mercy, He saved Musa (‘Alayhis-salaam) and all those who were with him.

The incident of ‘Ashoora’ is an evidence for how Allaah supports and gives victory to His Awliyaa’ and how He disgraces His enemies. No matter how high falsehood reaches, a day will come when it will fade away and vanish, like what happened to Fir’awn and his soldiers.

Fir’awn behaved arrogantly in the land because of what he possessed of dominion, authority, troops, and might. He used to oppress Bani Isra’eel (The Children of Israel), killing their sons and letting their womenfolk live; for fear that they might increase in number and gain power, and thus overcome him in his own country. HIs tyranny had reached an extent where he audaciously (boldly) said (interpretation of the meaning):

“O chiefs, I know not that you have a god other than me.” [Surat Al-Qasas (28:38)]

He gathered his people and called them in a loud voice, saying:

“I am your Lord, Most High.” [Surat An-Nazi’aat (79:24)]

Musa (‘Alayhis-salaam) called Fir’awn and his chiefs to acknowledge their real Lord and told them not to worship anything other than Him. Musa (‘Alayhis-salaam) brought them signs from Allaah, but they ridiculed, rejected and denied them wrongfully and arrogantly.

Fir’awn had been deceived by what he had of power and kingdom. He behaved in a tyrannical manner because of the wealth and troops that he had. He said (interpretation of the meaning):

“Is not mine the dominion of Egypt, and these rivers flowing underneath me?”

“See you not then (i.e. do you not see my position of might and power)?” [Surat Az-Zukhruf (43:51)]

This stemmed from his great ignorance, for he took pride in something that was not connected to his attitude and character, but was in fact, bestowed upon him by Allaah.

Fir’awn used these great favors as a proof for the truthfulness of what he claimed (interpretation of the meaning):

“Thus he fooled his people, and they obeyed him.” [Surat Az-Zukhruf (43:54)]

Because of their weak and foolish minds, they obeyed him.

“Verily, they were ever a people who were rebellious.” [43:54]

Then Allaah (Ta’ala) says (interpretation of the meaning):

“So when they angered Us, We punished them, and drowned them all.” [43:55]

Allaah (Ta’ala) made Fir’awn and his people as a lesson for others in this world and the Hereafter.

The Exodus of the Children of Israel from Egypt

After that Musa (‘Alayhis-salaam) stayed in Egypt for a long time, and the proof of Allaah was established against Fir’awn and his chiefs. Yet, they were still arrogant and stubborn; there was nothing left for them but punishment and vengeance. So Allaah (Ta’ala) commanded Musa (‘Alayhis-salaam) to take the Children of Israel out of Egypt by night and take them wherever he would be commanded. So Musa (‘Alayhis-salaam) did as he was commanded by his Lord, may He be glorified, and he led them forth after they had borrowed an abundance of jewelry from the people of Fir’awn. More than one of the Scholars of Tafseer mentioned that they left when the moon was rising.

Fir’awn’s Pursuit and the Expulsion of the Children of Israel, and how He and His People were drowned

Fir’awn set out with a huge group; a group containing the leaders and the entire government of Egypt at that time (i.e. the decision-makers and influential figures, princes, ministers, nobles, leaders and soldiers), as mentioned by many Scholars of Tafseer.

“So they pursued them at sunrise,” meaning, they caught up with the Children of Israel at sunrise.

“And when the two hosts saw each other,” meaning, when each group saw the other. At that point, “The companions of Musa said: ‘We are sure to be overtaken.’”

This was because Fir’awn and his people caught up with them on the shores of the Red Sea, so the sea was ahead of them and Fir’awn and his troops were behind them. Hence, they said: “We are sure to be overtaken.”

Musa (‘Alayhis-salaam) said: “Nay, verily with me is my Lord, He will guide me,” meaning, nothing of what you fear will happen to you, for Allaah is the One Who commanded me to bring you here, and He does not go back on His promise.

The believer should contemplate this great Tawakkul (reliance) on Allaah and trust in Him. Musa (‘Alayhis-salaam) said: “Nay, verily with me is my Lord.” One may ask, “To where should they go? The enemy is behind them and the sea is in front of them.” However, victory and support are from Allaah. Whoever puts his trust in Allaah, Allaah will suffice him even if all that is in the heavens and earth have plotted against him. Did not Allaah say in Surat Az-Zumar (39:36):

أَلَيْسَ اللَّهُ بِكَافٍ عَبْدَهُ

“Is Allaah not sufficient for His slave?”

And in Surat At-Talaq (65:3):

وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ

“And whosoever puts his trust in Allaah, then He will suffice him.”

Then Fir’awn and his troops drew very near. At that point, Allaah commanded Prophet Musa (‘Alayhis-salaam) to strike the sea with his staff, so he struck it, and it parted, by the will of Allaah. Allaah (Ta’ala) says:

“And it parted, and each separate part became like a huge mountain.” [Surat Ash-Shu’ara (26:63)]

Meaning, like mighty mountains.

Ibn ‘Abbaas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) said: “The sea divided into twelve paths, one for each of the tribes.” As-Suddi added: “And there were windows through which they could see one another, and the water was erected like walls.” Allaah sent the wind to the sea to make it solid like the land. Allaah says:

“and strike a dry path for them in the sea, fearing neither to be overtaken nor being afraid.” [Surat Ta-Ha (20:77)]

Allaah (Ta’ala) saved Musa (‘Alayhis-salaam) and all those who were with him. They all came out, and not one of them was left behind.

Fir’awn and his soldiers rushed into the sea. When they were all in the sea and the first of them was about to emerge on the other side, Allaah, the All-Powerful, commanded the sea to shroud them. The sea closed over them and none amongst them was saved.

When Fir’awn was overwhelmed by the stupor of death, he said:

“I believe that none has the right to be worshipped but He (Allaah) in Whom the Children of Israel believe, and I am one of the Muslims.” [Surat Yunus (10:90)]

He believed at a time when he could not benefit from his faith. Therefore, Allaah (Ta’ala) said, as a response to Fir’awn:

“Now (you believe) while you refused to believe before? And you were one of the mischief-makers.” [10:91]

These facts about Fir’awn and his state at that time were among the secrets of the unseen that Allaah revealed to His Messenger Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

It is reported by At-Tirmidhi on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbaas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Jibreel (‘Alayhis-salaam) said to me: ‘If you could have seen me while I was taking black mud from the sea and placing it in the mouth of Fir’awn, out of fear that mercy would reach him.’” [As-Silsilah As-Saheeha no. 2015 and Al-Albaani graded it Saheeh]

Allaah (Ta’ala) says:

“Verily, in this is indeed a sign, yet most of them are not believers.

And verily your Lord, He is truly the Almighty, the Most Merciful.” [Surat Ash-Shu’ara (67-68)]

Allaah (Ta’ala), by His Might, destroyed the disbelievers who rejected His Messenger, and by His Mercy, saved Musa (‘Alayhis-salaam) and all those who were with him. This story stands as a proof that Allaah is All-Powerful, and all creatures are under His control. Nothing can stand against His anger.

Fir’awn and his people were destroyed on the day of ‘Ashoora’, the tenth of Muharram, as recorded by Al-Bukhaari on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbaas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) who said: “When the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) arrived at Madinah, the Jews fasted the day of ‘Ashoora’. So he asked: “What is this day that you are fasting?” They responded: “This is the day on which Musa was victorious over Fir’awn.” So the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “You have more right to Musa than they, so fast it.” [Al-Bukhaari]

The day of ‘Ashoora’ thus links the Muslim with the Messengers of Allaah.

The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) commanded his Companions and his followers from his Ummah to observe fast on that day because it is a day on which Allaah rescued Musa (‘Alayhis-salaam) and those who were with him. The Muslim comes after centuries and rejoices for the salvation of Musa (‘Alayhis-salaam) and fasts this day out of gratitude to Allaah. This is the link between the Muslim and Musa (‘Alayhis-salaam) which is also shown in the statement of Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam): “You have more right to Musa than they (the Jews).” [Al-Bukhaari]

The ‘Aqeedah of all the Prophets is one; they called to worship One Lord, and their religion is Islam.

Ibn Taymiyah (Rahimahullaah) said: “This religion, which is the religion of Islam; Allaah will not accept any religion other than it, neither from the early generations nor from the later.” [Al-Aqeedah At-Tadmuriyyah]

The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “I am the closest of the people to ‘Eesa ibn Maryam, in this world and in the Hereafter.” They said: “How is that, O Messenger of Allaah?” He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The Prophets are brothers; their mothers are different, but their religion is one, and there is no Prophet between us.” [Muslim no. 2365]

Out of all religions, only Muslims have complete belief in all the Messengers and what they brought. The Jews do not believe in ‘Eesa (Jesus) (‘Alayhis-salaam) nor in Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and furthermore, attribute the Messengers of Allaah with evil descriptions.

It is from the core belief of the Muslim nation to believe in all the Messengers that came before Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Allaah (Ta’ala) commanded them in Surat Al-Baqarah (2:136):

قُولُوا آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْنَا وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَالْأَسْبَاطِ وَمَا أُوتِيَ مُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَمَا أُوتِيَ النَّبِيُّونَ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّنْهُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ

“Say (O Muslims), ‘We believe in Allaah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibraheem (Abraham), Isma’il (Ishmael), Ishaque (Isaac), Ya’qub (Jacob), and to Al-Asbat [the twelve sons of Ya’qub (Jacob)], and that which has been given to Musa (Moses) and ‘Eesa (Jesus), and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islam).’”

Whoever does not believe in one of Allaah’s Prophets has disbelieved in all the Prophets, including the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Defaming one of them is defamation of all of them, including Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

Allaah (Ta’ala) praised the Muslims for responding to the command of Allaah and believing in all of the Messengers in Surat An-Nisaa’ (4:152):

وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا بِاللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَلَمْ يُفَرِّقُوا بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّنْهُمْ أُولَٰئِكَ سَوْفَ يُؤْتِيهِمْ أُجُورَهُمْ ۗ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا

“And those who believe in Allaah and His Messengers and make no distinction between any of them (Messengers), We shall give them their rewards, and Allaah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

Fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ came to prove and affirm this meaning. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) clearly mentioned that he and his Ummah have more right to Musa (‘Alayhis-salaam) than the Jews. This is because:

1) The Muslims believed in Musa (‘Alayhis-salaam) though they did not see him.

2) Musa (‘Alayhis-salaam) called them to pure Tawheed, but the Jews altered their Religion.

3) The Muslims did not harm him as the Bani Isra’eel did. Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat Al-Ahzaab (33:69):

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ آذَوْا مُوسَىٰ فَبَرَّأَهُ اللَّهُ مِمَّا قَالُوا ۚ وَكَانَ عِندَ اللَّهِ وَجِيهًا

“O you who believe! Be not like those who annoyed Musa (Moses), but Allaah cleared him of that which they alleged, and he was honorable before Allaah.”

The Day of ‘Ashoora’ and Contradicting the People of the Scriptures

Islamic law enjoined Muslims to generally deal with the People of Scripture with justice, kindness, and Ihsan (doing good to them), so long as they are not fighting them. Islam made their slaughtered animals, marrying their women, and doing business with them, lawful in accordance with Islamic laws.

As for their religious relationship, Islamic law forbade Muslims from imitating the Kuffar (disbelievers) generally, and the People of the Scriptures specifically in all matters that are particular to their religion and which are not mentioned in Islamic law.

Many texts have mentioned the impermissibility of resembling them in acts of worship which are particular to them, and their customs which are symbols for them alone.

Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “He is not one of us, who resembles other than us, nor who resembles the Jews or the Christians.” [At-Tirmidhi no. 2695 and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Hasan]

This is also shown clearly in the story of ‘Ashoora’. When the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Ashoora’, he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) observed fast on that day. Then at the end of his life, he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) commanded to oppose them.

Ibn ‘Abbaas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “When the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora’ and enjoined this fast, they said: “O Messenger of Allaah, it is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.” The Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Next year – if Allaah wills – we will fast on the ninth day.” But the next year the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) had passed away.” [Muslim no. 1134]

Ibn Taymiyah (Rahimahullaah) said: “Contemplate this: The Day of ‘Ashoora’ is a virtuous day; it expiates the sins of the previous year. The Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) observed its fast, and commanded and urged others to fast it. Then before his death, for a while, he was told that the Jews and Christians venerate it, so he commanded to contradict them by adding another day to it, and he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) resolved to do that himself.” [Iqtida’ as-Sirat Al-Mustaqeem Limukhalafat As’hab Al-Jaheem]

Is the Day of ‘Ashoora’ a day of mourning?

Out of Allaah’s perfect wisdom, He afflicted one of His believing servants on the day of ‘Ashoora’, who was a great man and one of the ‘Awliyaa of Allaah whom the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) attested Paradise for. He was Al-Husain (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), the grandson of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) who was unjustly killed and martyred in the cause of Allaah.

Our belief should be that he was unjustly killed and thus martyred, and for him is the highest rank in Paradise, as the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said about him and his brother Al-Hasan (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu): “The masters of the youth of the People of Paradise.” [Reported by Ahmad and authenticated by Al-Albaani in As-Silsilah As-Saheeha no. 796]

In this incident of killing, there was a trial, distress, and purification. The people divided into three categories (groups) after this killing:

1- One group has exceeded the limit, turning the day of ‘Ashoora’ into a day of mourning and lamenting, doing things that displease Allaah and what the religion of Islam prohibits of wailing, lamenting, and following the traditions and ways of Jahiliyah (Ignorance). They even commit Shirk by calling unto Al-Husain (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), seeking recourse in him and asking him to deliver them from their distress.

Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “If the woman who wails does not repent before she dies, she will be raised on the Day of Resurrection wearing a garment of pitch and a chemise of scabs.” [Muslim no. 934]

He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “He who slaps (his) cheeks, tears (his) clothes and calls to (or follows) the ways and traditions of the days of ignorance is not one of us.” [Al-Bukhaari no. 1294]

Instead of making the day of ‘Ashoora’ a day of gratitude to Allaah, they turn it into a day of wailing in which actions of Jahiliyah are practiced. Some of them seek nearness to Allaah by shedding blood from their forehead or back, believing that this is a means of forgiveness and elevation of ranks with Allaah.

2- A different group has breached and neglected the status of the Awliyaa of Allaah and His chosen slaves, by not giving them their rights and due respect. They are the Naasibah who declare enmity to the family members of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). They have turned the day of ‘Ashoora’ into a day of happiness and joy by wearing new clothes, buying food, sweets, and adornments.

3- Another group adopted the middle course, and they are Ahl-As-Sunnah wal-Jam’ah. They neither exceed the limit regarding the rights of the family members of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) nor do they neglect them. They follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) by fasting this day as a gratitude to Allaah (Ta’ala).

Let us praise Allaah for guiding us, opening our breasts to the truth, keeping us away from the way of the extremists and the negligent, and making us from the people of moderation. We seek nearness to Allaah by our love for the family members of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Let us recognize their due right upon us and fulfill it, with neither excessiveness nor negligence.

Sources:

 The Day of ‘Ashoora’ is a day that symbolizes Tawheed by Ibraheem bin Muhammad Siddiq

 The Day of ‘Ashoora’ by Shaikh ‘Abdur-Razzaq Al-Badr

 Tafseer Ibn Katheer

 Tayseer Al-Kareem by Shaikh As-Sa’dee