Islam, the religion of Moses

It is so unfortunate that today people have been misled by their desires and are now observing this day not according to the teachings of Islam, it should be noted that whatever is not mentioned here in not part of Islam. Islam is a religion which is taken from the Quran and the teachings of the prophet (saw). We ask Allah, The creator,

ISLAAM is a religion in which one believes in all the prophets and the single message which they brought right from the first one up to the last one which is Muhammad (peace be upon him). This true religion uses linar calendar and in this calendar there are 12 months, four of which are sacred. These four according to the authentic traditions are Dhul- Qa’dah, Dhul- Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab.

This is derived from this verse in the glorious Quran: “verily , the number of months with Allah is 12 (in a year); it was so ordained by Allah on the day He created the heavens and the earth , of them four are sacred. That is the right religion , so wrong not yourself therein…” (Al-Taubah )(9:36)

Allah has raised the status of noble deeds in some days in contrast to others, so that those who believe can extract maximum benefits in those days by devout worshipping and reach the ranks of the righteous predecessors by his Mercy. One of such month is the month of Muharram and one of such day is the day of Aashooraa. The month of Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and the day of Aashooraa is the 10th day of Muharram which in this year corresponds with Saturday, October 24, 2015.

What is Aashooraa

In brief, it is the day Allah saved Moses (Moosa) and the children of Israel from their enemy , the tyrant Pharaoh and his army. Allah made Moses and his people cross the Red Sea and drowned Pharaoh and his army and this was one of the miracles of Moses acknowledged in Islam. We, as Muslims take this from the tradition of our beloved prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him).

Abdullah Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), one of the companions of the prophet said, “The prophet (saw) came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Aashooraa, he said , “what is this?”. They said, ‘this is a good day, this is the day when Allah saved the children of Israel from their enemy and Moosa fasted on this day.”

He said: “We are closer to Moosa than you, so he fasted and told his people to fast.” (narrated by Bukhaari and Muslim). From this tradition of the prophet (saw), Muslims sorely observe this day by fasting as was done and commanded but their prophet and nothing else. This fasting should be on the day of Aashooraa nd a day before it or a day after it , that is the 9th, the 10th and the 11th.

Spiritual virtues linked to Aashooraa

1.The prophet (saw) said, “Fasting the day of Aashooraa, I hope (and wish) Allah will expiate thereby for the (sins) of the year before it.”(Muslim). The expiation if the sins mentioned here refers to minor sins, as for major sins they need repentance.

2. Abdullah ibn Abbas (R.A) said, “I never saw the prophet (saw) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other day than this day, the day of Aashooraa and this month –meaning the month of Ramadan.”(Bukhaari and Muslim)

The difference between fasting Aashooraa and Ramadan

Fasting in Ramadan is a pillar of Islam hence it is compulsory upon every mature, sane, free male and female muslim during the prescribed month of Ramadan where as fasting on the day of Aashooraa is supererogatory, not compulsory. Whoever wishes to observe it can do so and who ever doesn’t is not obliged to do so. This is taken from the traditions and sayings of the prophet(saw).

1. Mother of the believers, Aishah (R.A) said, “the prophet (saw) used to command people to fast on the day of Aashooraa, but when Ramadan was ordained and made compulsory he then gave an option, whoever wishes to fast Aashooraa did and whoever did not want he was not forced.” (Bukhaari and Muslim)

2. The prophet(saw) said, “ the day of Aashooraa, whoever wants can fast.” (bukhaari and Muslim)

Conclusion

From the above mentioned factual findings supported by the actions and narrations of the prophet (saw) and the righteous predecessors, it is therefore very important for Muslims to guard themselves from falling into wrong traditions currently associated with this day of Aashooraa. We must realize that the sanctity of Muharram was there well before these events occurred.

This day has been observed since time immemorial so we should follow how it was observed by our prophet. Anything contrary to the sayings and actions of the prophet is not part of Islam hence it should be distanced from true Islam.

For further questions and clarifications, feel free to visit Mutare Islamic Society at Number 1, 3th Street, Mutare…alternatively you can call on 020-63786

BY MUTARE ISLAMIC SOCIETY (MIS).