There are days in the Islamic calendar that carry special weight – times of deep reflection, spiritual opportunity, and profound historical significance. One such day is the 10th of Muharram, better known as ‘Ashura.
While many know ‘Ashura for the reward of fasting, the day holds far greater meaning. It’s a powerful reminder of the endurance, faith, and resilience of the Prophets (‘alayhim as-salaam) in the face of immense hardship – lessons that resonate strongly with those experiencing tests and trials today.
At Embrace, we invite you to draw strength and inspiration from the legacy of ‘Ashura. Here are four key themes of this sacred day and how we can revive its lessons in our lives.
1. A Day of Salvation
‘Ashura is a day when Allah saved His Prophets (as) and their followers from severe trials.
According to a narration in Musnad Ahmad, it was on this day that the Ark of Prophet Nuh (as) came to rest on Mount Judi, marking the end of his long and painful mission. Nuh (as) spent 950 years calling his people to Allah, withstanding rejection, ridicule, and even heartbreak of his own son dying upon disbelief and drowning in the Flood – yet he remained patient, steadfast, and trusting in Allah’s promise.
Even more familiar to many is how Prophet Musa (as) and the Children of Israel were saved from the tyranny of Firawn (Pharaoh). Despite fear, and overwhelming odds, Musa (as) stood firm, spoke truth to power, and trusted in Allah fully – even when cornered between the Red Sea and the approaching army of a tyrant.
His words echo with timeless power and absolute trust in Allah:
“No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me.” (Surah Ash-Shu’ara, 26:62)
And so Allah made a way for them – parting the sea, delivering them from harm.
For those facing isolation or injustice today, ‘Ashura reminds us: however high the waves, however great the fear – Allah’s help is near.
2. A Day of Gratitude
‘Ashura is also a day of thanksgiving.
When the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) saw that the Jews of Medina fasted on this day in remembrance of Allah saving Musa (as), he said:
“I have more right to Musa than you.” (Bukhari)
He then encouraged Muslims to fast on ‘Ashura, showing gratitude to Allah.
The Prophet (ﷺ) was so keen on fasting ‘Ashura that Ibn ‘Abbas (ra) said:
“I never saw the Messenger of Allah more eager to fast a day and give it priority over others than the Day of ‘Ashura.”
If you can, aim to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, or the 10th and 11th – or even better, the 9th, 10th, and 11th. While fasting, don’t forget to make du’a – as the du’a of the fasting believer is not rejected.
“There are three whose supplications are not rejected: the fasting person, the just ruler, and the one who has been wronged.” (Tirmidhi)
Gratitude is not simply saying “Alhamdulillah” – it’s about showing our thanks through action, reflection, and increased obedience to Him.
3. A Day of Repentance
‘Ashura is also a day of returning to Allah.
It was on this day that Prophet Adam (as) was forgiven. It is said thath e wept for 300 years after being exiled from Paradise, mourning his separation from his Lord. His story is a reminder that regret, reflection, and repentance are part of the journey home to Allah.
‘Ashura was also the day the people of Yunus (as) were forgiven after they turned to Allah sincerely.
Wahb ibn Munabbih said, “Indeed Allah, Exalted be He, revealed to Musa, (as): Command your people that they turn to Me in repentance in the first ten days of Al-Muharram. When the tenth day comes, let them come out to Me so that I might forgive them.” (Lataif wal Ma’arif)
On this Day of Ashura we are reminded of our vision: our home. Just as Musa (as) was exiled from his homeland, so was Adam (as), and we too are reminded of the home we have left behind and the home we long to return to – Paradise. The Eternal homecoming that should be the focus of our hopes and our striving each day.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“If you want to fast a month after Ramadan, then fast Muharram, for it has a day in which Allah forgave an entire people, and He turns to others in repentance, in.” (Tirmidhi)
By fasting this blessed day, we hope for the reward of our sins of the past year will be removed.
“For fasting the Day of ‘Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate (forgive) the sins of the previous year.” (Muslim)
For many we support at Embrace – those living in isolation, facing mental health struggles, or recovering from trauma – this message is vital: no pain, mistake, or hardship defines you. What defines you is your return to Allah.
4. A Day of Giving
‘Ashura is not only about reflection and fasting – it’s also a powerful time for giving.
The Prophet (ﷺ) taught us that charity can wipe away sins, protect from calamity, and increase blessings.
“Whoever gives charity on ‘Ashura, it is as if he has given charity for the entire year.” (Abdullah ibn Amr, Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah)
Spending on your family, however modest, is a sunnah on this day. A small gift, a shared meal – these acts of love bring barakah for the whole year.
“One who generously spends on his family on ‘Ashura’, Allah will be generous on him for the entire year.” (Al-Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman)
Sufyan ibn Uyaynah (rh) said “I have practiced this [spending on the family] for fifty or sixty years, and have found nothing but good in it.” (Lata’if al-Ma’arif)
But ‘Ashura also calls us to remember those who cannot be with their families, who are enduring hardship alone – just like many of the brothers and sisters we support through Embrace.
Women raising children alone, suffering in silence, men fleeing countries ravaged by war, displaced from their loved ones, individuals burdened by stigma and abandonment. For them, the sea hasn’t yet parted. They are still waiting, still hoping.
By giving charity on ‘Ashura, you can be the means by which Allah brings relief – just as He brought salvation to the Prophets before us.
“Whoever relieves a Muslim of some worldly distress, Allah will relieve him of some of the distress of the Day of Resurrection. And whoever relieves the burden from a destitute person, Allah will relieve him in this world and the next.” (Ibn Majah)
A monthly donation – even a small one – can help us provide emotional, financial, and practical support to those in need. And if a regular donation feels too much, a single gift today carries the weight of a year’s worth of blessing.
“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done regularly, even if small.” (Ibn Majah)
‘Ashura: A Day to Start Again
‘Ashura is a day to reset – to thank, to reflect, to return, and to give.
It’s a day of hope, reminding us that salvation always comes after struggle.
This year, embrace the spirit of ‘Ashura not only for your own soul but for those whose lives are full of hardship and silence. Let your actions reflect the mercy, strength, and hope this day stands for.
Give. Fast. Repent. And remember: Allah never turns away a heart that turns to Him.