The Day of Ashura, which falls on the 10th of Muharram, is a significant day in Islam. One of the most important events associated with Ashura is the miraculous rescue of Nabi Musa عليه السلام and the Children of Israel (Bani Isra’il) from the tyranny of Pharaoh (Fir‘awn).
Nabi Musa عليه السلام was sent by Allah to call Fir‘awn towards the worship of Allah alone and to free Bani Isra’il from oppression. However, Fir‘awn arrogantly rejected the truth and continued his cruelty.
When Nabi Musa عليه السلام and his people fled from Egypt, Fir‘awn and his army pursued them. Soon, Bani Isra’il found themselves trapped between the sea in front of them and Fir‘awn’s army behind them. In fear, they cried:
إِنَّا لَمُدْرَكُونَ
“Indeed, we are sure to be overtaken!”
(Surah Ash-Shu‘ara, 26:61)
But Nabi Musa عليه السلام responded with complete trust in Allah:
كَلَّا إِنَّ مَعِيَ رَبِّي سَيَهْدِينِ
“No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me.”
(Surah Ash-Shu‘ara, 26:62)
Allah then commanded Nabi Musa عليه السلام to strike the sea with his staff. By Allah’s permission, the sea miraculously split into pathways, allowing Nabi Musa عليه السلام and Bani Isra’il to cross safely. When Fir‘awn and his army followed them, the sea closed upon them, and they were drowned.
This great victory and deliverance took place on the Day of Ashura. When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he found that the Jews were fasting on this day. They explained that it was the day Allah saved Nabi Musa عليه السلام and Bani Isra’il from Fir‘awn. The Prophet ﷺ said:
نَحْنُ أَحَقُّ بِمُوسَى مِنْكُمْ
“We have more right to Musa than you.”
The Prophet ﷺ then fasted on Ashura and encouraged the Muslims to fast as well. (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
The story of Nabi Musa عليه السلام teaches us that even when a situation appears impossible, a believer should never lose hope in Allah. The sea was ahead, the enemy was behind, yet Nabi Musa عليه السلام remained certain that Allah would provide a way forward.
Ashura therefore reminds us of faith during hardship, patience during trials, courage against oppression, and complete reliance upon Allah. It is also a day of gratitude, as Muslims fast to thank Allah for saving Nabi Musa عليه السلام and his people.
The Prophet ﷺ said regarding fasting on Ashura:
“I hope that Allah will expiate the sins of the previous year through it.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Muslims are encouraged to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, or according to some scholars, the 10th and 11th, to distinguish the Muslim practice.
May the story of Nabi Musa عليه السلام strengthen our trust in Allah and remind us that no difficulty is greater than the power and mercy of Allah.
وَاللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ — And Allah knows best.
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