Ashura: The Day of Fir’aun’s Defeat

Most of the Muslims in our society are not aware of why Ashura holds such importance in Islamic history. They commonly believe its significance is solely tied to the tragedy of Karbala. However, while the martyrdom of Husain (RA), the beloved grandson of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), at Karbala undoubtedly elevated the importance of the day, Muhammad (SAW), the last and final messenger of Allah, had already established the virtues of Ashura long before the tragedy of Karbala. The tragedy of Karbala occurred in 680 CE (61 Hijri), whereas the virtues of the Day of Ashura were originally established by the Prophet (SAW) in 622 CE, immediately following his migration to Medinah (Hijrah). Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated, “The Prophet (SAW) came to Medina and saw the Jews fasting on the Day of Ashura." He asked, ‘What is this?’ They replied, ‘This is a righteous day; it is the day when Allah saved the Bani Israel from their enemies, so Musa (AS) fasted on this day.’ The prophet (SAW) further said, ‘We have more right to Musa than you.' So, he fasted on that day and commanded (the Muslims) to fast on that day.” (Sahih Bukhari).

Although the Prophet (SAW) declared the religious sanctity of Ashura in 622 CE, the foundation events of this sacred day – the divine deliverance of Prophet Musa (AS) and the defeat of Fir’aun – took place around 1200 BCE. This historical reality traces the significance of Ashura back nearly 1,800 years before the tragedy of Karbala.

Musa (AS) was one of the most prominent and revered prophets in Islam. Allah mentioned the name of Musa (AS) more than a hundred times and narrated his story in various places throughout the Holy Quran. It is mentioned in the Quran that Prophet Musa (AS) called Fir’aun (Pharaoh) to the oneness (Tawheed) of Allah and to worship Him. Fir’aun rejected the message of Musa with extreme arrogance and intensified his tyranny. Allah (SWT) ordered Musa (AS) to gather his followers and leave Egypt at night to save them from the tyranny and oppression of Fir’aun. Allah says in the Quran, “And We surely inspired Musa, ‘Leave with My servants [at night] and strike a dry passage for them across the sea. Have no fear of being overtaken, nor be concerned [of drowning].” (Sura Taha: 77).

By the command of Allah, Musa (AS) gathered his followers. When Fir'aun discovered their secret departure the next morning, he mobilised a massive military force to pursue them. Musa (AS) and his companions were eventually trapped at the edge of the Red Sea, with the vast waters ahead and Fir’aun’s ruthless army closing in from behind. Seeing their panic, Musa (AS) declared his unwavering faith in Allah’s guidance and struck the water with his staff as commanded. The sea miraculously split apart, creating dry paths walled by towering waves, allowing Musa (AS) and his blessed companions to cross safely. Allah says in the Quran, 'When the two groups came face to face, the companions of Musa cried out, "We are overtaken for sure."'. Musa reassured, ‘Absolutely not!' My Lord is certainly with me; He will guide me. So, we inspired Musa: ‘Strike the sea with your staff,' and the sea was split; each part was like a large mountain. We drew the pursuers to that place and delivered Musa and those with him all together. Then We drowned the others" (Sura Shu’ara: 61-66).

Driven by arrogance and rage, Fir’aun and his army rushed to the seabed after them. Once the believers safely reached the shore, Allah commanded the sea to collapse, drowning the tyrant and his entire army and leaving Fir’aun’s body preserved as an eternal sign for future generations. Allah says in the Quran, “Today We will preserve your corpse so that you may become an example for those who come after you. And surely most people are heedless of Our examples!” (Sura Yunus: 92). This historical victory of Musa (AS) over Fir’aun took place on the Day of Ashura. This is the main reason why the day holds such great significance in history. According to a Hadith, this is the great day on which the Ark of Noah (AS) came to rest on the mountain known as al-Judi. Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrated, “…It was also the day the ark of Prophet Nooh landed on Mount Al-Judiyy. Nooh and Musa fasted that day as an indication of their thankfulness to Allah. Then the Prophet (SAW) said, ‘I am the one to fast that day.’” (Musnad Ahmad). On the other hand, Husain (RA) embraced martyrdom for truth and justice on this day. Thus, Ashura represents both the victory of Prophet Musa (AS) over Fir’aun and deep sorrow due to the martyrdom of Hussain (RA) in Karbala. The martyrdom of Husain (RA) teaches us to stand firm for justice and truth, even at the cost of our lives. 

Fasting on the Day of Ashura was obligatory before the obligation of Ramadan fasts. When the obligation of Ramadan fast came in the second year of Hijrah, the Prophet (SAW) then sent someone to announce to people that fasting on the Day of Ashura had become voluntary (nafl). Aisha (RA) narrated, “Allah’s messenger ordered [the Muslims] to fast on the Day of Ashura, and when fasting in the month of Ramadan was prescribed, it became optional for one to fast on that day [Ashura] or not.” (Sahih Bukhari).

Although fasting on Ashura is no longer obligatory (Fard) but optional (Nafl), it still carries an immense reward. It expiates the sins of the previous year. Abu Qatada (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said, “The fast on the Day of Ashura atones for the sins of the preceding year.” (Sahih Muslim). The Prophet (SAW) ordered us to be different from the Jews and to fast on the 9th or 11th day of Muharrum. He said, “Fast the Day of Ashura, but do so differently than the Jews by fasting the day before it or the day after it" (Musnad Ahmad).
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The writer is the Khatib of Baitush Shafiq Mosque and the principal of Baitul Hikmah Academy, Gazipur