Every year, the tenth day of Muharram arrives carrying profound reminders for the ummah. Ashura is a blessed day that occupies a special place in the hearts of Muslims. It commemorates one of the most remarkable moments in sacred history: the deliverance of Prophet Musa peace be upon him and the Children of Israel from the tyranny of Pharaoh.
In gratitude for Allah Almighty’s mercy and protection, Prophet Musa peace be upon him fasted on this day. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him also observed the fast of Ashura and encouraged us to do the same. While Ashura commemorates a historical event, its lessons remain as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago.
In a world marked by uncertainty, hardship, and personal struggles, Ashura offers a powerful message: no difficulty lasts forever, and Allah’s help often arrives in ways we could never imagine.
The Virtues of Muharram
Ashura falls within Muharram, one of the four sacred months designated by Allah Almighty. Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve in Allah’s Record since the day He created the heavens and the earth, of which four are sacred.”
(Quran, 9:36)
The Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him further highlighted the virtue of this blessed month, saying:
“The best fasting after Ramadan is fasting in the month of Allah, Muharram.”
(Sahih Muslim)
As the beginning of a new Hijri year, Muharram offers Muslims an opportunity to reflect on their faith, renew their intentions, and strengthen their commitment to Allah Almighty. It is
“No! Indeed, my Lord is with me; He will guide me.”
(Qur’an 26:62)
a time to assess one’s spiritual journey and strive for greater obedience and closeness to Him.
The Day of Ashura and the Deliverance of Musa (AS)
One of the most significant events associated with Ashura is the salvation of Prophet Musa peace be upon him and the Children of Israel from Fir‘awn. After years of oppression and persecution, Allah Akmighty commanded Musa peace be upon him to lead his people out of Egypt.
As they reached the sea, Fir‘awn’s army closed in behind them. The situation appeared hopeless. There was no visible escape route, no human solution, and no worldly reason to expect survival.
Yet Musa peace be upon him responded with unwavering certainty:
Allah SWT revealed:
“So We inspired Musa: ‘Strike the sea with your staff,’ and the sea was split, each part was like a huge mountain.”
(Quran, 26:63)
The sea parted, the believers crossed safely, and Fir‘awn and his army were drowned.
When the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him arrived in Madinah, he found the Jewish community fasting on Ashura in remembrance of this victory. He said:
“We have more right to Musa than they do.”
He then encouraged the Muslims to fast on this day as an expression of gratitude to Allah SWT and recognition of this momentous event.
When the Sea Seems Impossible
The story of Musa peace be upon him is not merely a historical account—it is a living lesson for every believer.
Many Muslims today face their own “seas.” Some struggle with financial hardship. Others battle illness, anxiety, family difficulties, loneliness, or uncertainty about the future. Like the Children of Israel, we sometimes find ourselves trapped between challenges with no obvious way forward.
Ashura reminds us that Allah Almighty is the Lord of impossible situations. The path may not be visible to us, but Allah’s power is never limited by what we can see.
What appeared to be a barrier became the very means of salvation. Likewise, the difficulties we face today may become the doorway through which Allah grants relief, growth, and unexpected blessings.
Patience Is Not Passive
One of the greatest misconceptions about patience is that it means simply waiting and doing nothing. The story of Musa peace be upon him teaches the opposite.
Musa peace be upon him placed complete trust in Allah, yet he also acted when Allah commanded him to strike the sea with his staff. Faith and effort worked together.
This balance remains essential for Muslims today. We make du‘a, trust Allah, and place our reliance upon Him. At the same time, we seek solutions, pursue treatment when ill, work diligently, and strive to improve our circumstances.
True tawakkul is not abandoning effort; it is recognizing that success comes from Allah after we have done our part.
Gratitude During Difficult Times
At its heart, the fast of Ashura is an act of gratitude.
The deliverance of Musa peace be upon him teaches us that gratitude is not reserved for times of abundance. Rather, it is a mindset that helps believers navigate hardship with faith and resilience.
When challenges dominate our attention, it becomes easy to focus only on what is missing. Ashura encourages us to reflect on Allah’s countless blessings. A grateful heart is often a resilient heart.
Tyranny Never Has the Final Word
Fir‘awn remains one of history’s greatest symbols of arrogance, oppression, and abuse of power. He possessed wealth, armies, influence, and authority. Yet none of these could protect him from the decree of Allah.
This lesson remains deeply relevant. Across the world, believers continue to witness injustice, corruption, and oppression. At times, wrongdoing appears victorious while truth seems weak.
Ashura reminds us that worldly power is temporary, while Allah’s justice is certain. The rise and fall of Fir‘awn stand as a lasting reminder that no tyrant can ultimately escape the judgment of Allah.
For believers, this means never surrendering to despair in the face of injustice. Truth and righteousness remain valuable, even when they are difficult to uphold.
The Importance of Hope
Perhaps the most beautiful lesson of Ashura is the lesson of hope.
The story of Musa peace be upon him is not only about rescue from danger; it is about trusting Allah when circumstances seem hopeless. It is about believing in divine mercy when the future appears uncertain.
The believer’s hope is not rooted in favorable circumstances. It is rooted in Allah Himself—His wisdom, mercy, power, and promises.
When doors close, Allah can open new ones. When plans fail, Allah can create better outcomes. When difficulties persist, Allah can transform them into sources of growth, purification, and reward.
Ashura teaches us that the darkest moments often precede Allah’s greatest openings.
Bringing the Spirit of Ashura Into Daily Life
As Ashura approaches each year, Muslims can revive its spirit through practical actions:
- Fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, or the 10th and 11th, following the Sunnah.
- Reflect on the story of Musa peace be upon him and Allah’s deliverance.
- Increase gratitude by consciously counting Allah’s blessings.
- Renew trust in Allah during personal hardships.
- Make du‘a for those facing oppression and difficulty around the world.
- Strengthen faith through the Qur’an, prayer, and remembrance of Allah.
A Day of Renewal
Ashura is a reminder that Allah’s help is always near, even when it seems distant. It teaches us patience without passivity, gratitude without complacency, and hope without limits.
Every believer will face moments when the road ahead appears blocked and the future uncertain. When those moments come, the story of Ashura calls us to remember the words of Musa peace be upon him:
“Indeed, my Lord is with me; He will guide me.”
(Qur’an 26:62)
In those words lies a timeless source of strength—a light that continues to guide believers through every trial, in every age.
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Author bio: Miriam is the proud mother of seven children of different ages, an experience that shapes her perspective on education and advocacy. Based in the Chicagoland area, she has taught in an Islamic school and currently works in a public school, supporting students and families and promoting inclusive learning environments. As the mother of a child with autism, Miriam brings personal insight and compassion to her work advocating for children with diverse learning and developmental needs. She is passionate about fostering inclusion, understanding, and equity within her community.
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