From Karbala to the Ark of Nuh: Ashura reminds us that faith, sacrifice and patience will always triumph

The Day of Ashura, observed on the 10th of Muharram in the Islamic calendar, holds deep spiritual and historical significance for Muslims around the world. It is a day remembered for numerous pivotal events in Islamic tradition, but above all, it is marked by the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was mercilessly martyred in Karbala for standing against tyranny and defending the principles of Islam.

On the 10th of Muharram, 61 AH, after enduring three days without food or water, Imam Hussain (AS), along with his small band of loyal companions and family members, was slain by the forces of Yazeed. Their supreme sacrifice became a timeless symbol of truth, justice, and steadfastness in the face of overwhelming oppression. It is through this sacrifice that Imam Hussain (AS) preserved the moral and spiritual soul of Islam.

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Divine events associated with Ashura

Beyond the tragedy of Karbala, Islamic tradition holds that Ashura is a day on which several key events of divine mercy and deliverance took place:

Hazrat Adam (AS) was forgiven by Allah for his repentance on this day.

Hazrat Nuh (AS) and his followers were saved from the Great Flood; the Ark came to rest on Mount Judiyy on Ashura.

“It was on this day (Ashura) that the Ark of Nuh (AS) came to rest on Mount Judiyy,” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir). 

Hazrat Musa (AS) was divinely aided when the Red Sea split, saving the Children of Israel from the tyranny of Pharaoh, who drowned along with his army.

Hazrat Yunus (AS) emerged from the whale by Allah’s mercy and forgave his people for their past defiance.

Hazrat Isa (AS) is believed by many scholars to have been raised to the heavens on this very day.

Fasting on Ashura

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) observed fasting on the day of Ashura. When he migrated to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting to commemorate Allah’s help to Prophet Musa (AS), he said,

“We have more right to Musa (AS) than you,” and he fasted on that day and encouraged Muslims to do the same. (Bukhari)

Fasting on Ashura is considered highly virtuous, with narrations stating that it expiates the sins of the previous year.