(Friday, 31 October 2014 Issue)
The Day of Ashura is the 10th day of the Month of MUHARRAM 61h (October
11th 680 AD), In the Islamic historical development, this day could be
considered as a turning point for the world and the humanity, through the
events happened on it, events of mixt feeling happened on this great day.
On this Day, Allah (SWT) bestowed salvation to ten of His prophets as follows:
Prophet Nuh’s arc landed on the mount Judi on the Day of Ashura, he and his companions spent the day fasting to thank Allah (SWT). On that Day Allah accepted the repentance of Prophet Adam and the people of prophet Yusuf (Joseph). Besides, Prophet Abraham was born on that day. (Tabarani narrated). Allah bestowed prophet moses the miracle of splitting the Red Sea, save him with his people and flooded the Pharaoh and his soldiers on Ashura. Prophet Yunus (Jonah) got out of the belly of the fish on the Day of Ashura. Prophet Isa (Jesus) was born and ascended to the heaven on Ashura. Prophet Dawud’s (David) repentance was accepted on the Day of Ashura.Prophet Yaqub (Jacup)’s eyesight, which he had lost years ago was restored on Ashura. Some people mention Idris (Enocha), Ayyub (Job) and Sulayman (Solomon) amongst the ten prophets, because Idris was ascended to the heaven on that day. Ayyub recovered from his illness and Sulayman was bestowed wealth on the same day. It is also mentioned that on the Day of Ashura Allah (SWT) created the seven heavens, seas, mountains, the Pen, Lawh-l Mahfuz (the preserved table), the stars, the Kursi, Angel Gabriel and other angels. It is also said that the first rain fell from the sky happened on that Day. The end of the world also said to be coming on the Day of Ashura.
All these series of events are narrated in different ways from different sources, regardless to whether all of them are authentic or not, but it gives a clear indication that the Day of Ashura has significant events throughout the pass centuries.
Among the Authentic historical events that occurred on the Day of Ashura, the most tragic one that took place in the southern part of Iraq at a place known as Karbala on the bank of the Euphrates river. It seemed in those days insignificant from the historical point of view. A large army of 30,000 that had been mobilized by the Umayyad regime besieged Imam Hussein, the grandson of the holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and 71 of his loyal companions and forced them to pay allegiance to the corrupt Caliph Yazid and to submit to his authority. The small group resisted and a severe battle took place in which the Imam and all his companions were killed, and his female family members were taken as war prisoners.
It appeared at that time, like hundreds of similar events, that this battle would be recorded in history and forgotten in time. However, the events that occurred on the 10th of Muharram in Karbala were to become a beacon and an inspiration for future generations, and a reflection of good versus evil. Who was this small group? The leader of the small band of men who were martyred in karbala was none other than Imam Hussein, son of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib and Fatima daughter of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for whom the Prophet one said “Hussein is from me and I am from Hussein” “May Allah love whoever love Hussein”
As it may be recalled, upon the murder of his brother Hassan, Imam Hussein became the leader of the household of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Hussein honored the agreement of peace signed by his brother Hassan, in order to safeguard the security of the Muslim nation, which was at stake with the then ruler Mu’awiyah (rla). Despite the urging of his followers, Imam Hussein did not undertake any activity that threatened the political status quo. Rather he continued with the responsibility of looking after the religious needs of the people and was recognized for his knowledge, piety, and generosity. However, this fitna led to the Martyrdom of Imam Hussein the grandson of the Prophet with his male family members and companions, the consequence of this tragic event is still very active in the dividing the Muslim ummah into different sects and groups. What the whole world is witnessing these days from some fanatic, extremist and terrorist groups in different parts of the world, by terrorizing and killing innocent people; destroying properties, demolishing structures, and confusing the whole system of the world peace and stability, all those bad behaviors and activities are originated from the Al-Khawarij the Mother group this this evil faction that was led by Ibn Sa’ad came in action.
Therefore, the Islamic Centre for Harmonization of Schools of Thought in the Gambia is here by calling all different Faiths to join the battle of building peace, tolerance and harmony and to encourage inter-faith and inter- sectarian dialog, in order to build a new world free of enmity, hatred fight and bloodshed.
What is Islamically recommended on the day of Ashura?
Allah, the almighty is merciful, in exercising His mercy, certain places, days, hours and deeds were identified for the followers of the religion in order to increase their rewards and obtain his blessings. Fasting on the Day of Ashura is one of the good deeds selected for that purpose.It is related By Mu’awiyah (RLA) that he heard the messenger of Allah say:” The day of Ashura. Allah (SWT) has not made fasting obligatory for you, but I am fasting. He who likes to observe fast among you should do so, and he who likes to observe it (does not have to) observe it” {Sahih Muslim}. Abu Qatadata (RLA) relates that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said that the fast on the 10th of Muharam erases the sins of the preceding year” {Sahih muslim}. Abu hurayrata (RLA) reported that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said that after Ramadan; fast on Muharam have the greatest excellence” {Sahih Muslim}. Ibn abas (RLA) relates that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said” If I suvive till next year, I will definitely observe fast on the 9th of muharam (as well). {Sahih muslim}. Ibn Abas (RLA) reported that when the Holy Prophet (PBUH) arrived in Madinah and found the Jews observing fast on the Day of Ashura, he asked them why they do so, they said: “It is the day of great (significance) when Allah delivered Musa (AS) and his people and drowned Pharaoh and his people, and Musa observed fast out of gratitude. And we also observe it. The holy Messenger of Allah Muhammad (PBUH) responded:” We have more right, and we have closer connection with Musa than you have” so the Messenger observed fast on the day of Ashura and gave us to observe it {Sahih Bukhari and Muslim}.
Congratulations to the whole world and to my own country in particular, may Allah grant us live to witness more Ashura coming with blessing and mercy, May allah bring peace stability to the world, and give rapid cure to those who are affected with Ebola virus, Amen Ya Rabbi.