Ahmed Mostafa
The significance of Ashura stemmed from adherence to the words and the will of Prophet Mohamed PBUH
The Battle of Karbala and the day of Ashura hold immense significance in Islamic history, due to the adherence of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohamed (PBUH), to his grandfather’s teachings regarding the importance of Shoura (consultation) and the election of the best and most capable individuals for leadership. Imam Hussein’s actions at Karbala were a testament to his unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of justice, equality, and good governance that were central to the Prophet’s teachings.
At the time of his death, Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) emphasized the significance of Shoura, urging the Muslim community to consult and come to a consensus on important matters, particularly those related to governance and leadership especially in his farewell pilgrimage. He stressed the importance of electing the most capable and virtuous individuals to lead the community, regardless of their tribal or familial affiliations (the people of trust). Imam Hussein’s stance at Karbala was a direct response to the violation of these principles by the Umayyad caliph, Yazid, who came to power through hereditary succession rather than through election based on merit.
Imam Hussein’s refusal to pledge allegiance to Yazid was not an act of rebellion for its own sake, but rather a principled stand against tyranny and the erosion of the values and principles that the Prophet had worked so hard to instill in the Muslim community. Imam Hussein’s actions serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of upholding justice, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.
The events of Karbala and the day of Ashura also highlight the sacrifice and dedication of Imam Hussein and his followers, who were willing to lay down their lives in defense of their principles. The martyrdom of Imam Hussein and his companions has become a powerful symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice, inspiring generations of Muslims to stand up for their beliefs and to fight for a better world to date.
Dar al-Iftaa al-Misriyya recognizes that Prophet Mohamed PBUH arrived to Yethrib in Rabi’ al-Awwal not in Moharam
Dar al-Iftaa al-Misriyya, the Egyptian institution for issuing religious rulings and fatwas, has stated that the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad in Medina occurred in the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal. However, the historical event of the Fast of the Tenth of Muharram, which is associated with the deliverance of Prophet Moses, has become a subject of controversy due to the discrepancy between the Jewish and Islamic calendars. The Jewish calendar, also known as the Hebrew calendar, is a luni-solar calendar, which means that it is based on both the moon’s orbit around the earth and the earth’s orbit around the sun. On the other hand, the Islamic calendar is a purely lunar calendar, in which the months are based solely on the moon’s cycles.
The Jewish calendar has 12 months and an extra month inserted every two or three years, making it a lunisolar calendar. For this reason, the Jewish calendar does not correspond perfectly to the solar year, and it can drift up to three weeks relative to the Gregorian calendar. In contrast, the Islamic calendar has only 12 lunar months, and it does not add any extra days to adjust for the solar year. This means that the Islamic calendar shifts approximately 11 days earlier each year relative to the Gregorian calendar.
The discrepancy between the two calendars has led to a debate regarding the historical date of the Fast of the Tenth of Muharram, which is commemorated by Muslims as a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Al-Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. According to some scholars, the Fast of the Tenth of Muharram occurred on the same day as the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, which is considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Based on this interpretation, the Fast of the Tenth of Muharram would have taken place in the month of Tishrei in the Jewish calendar.
However, other scholars argue that the Fast of the Tenth of Muharram occurred 10 days earlier than Yom Kippur, making it fall in the month of Ethanim or Bul in the Jewish calendar. This interpretation is based on a narration from Imam Jafar al-Sadiq, who stated that the Fast of the Tenth of Muharram corresponded to the day when Prophet Moses fasted before confronting Pharaoh/the Passover. According to the Jewish calendar, the month of Bul corresponds to the month of Sivan in the Gregorian calendar, which is the month when Prophet Moses received the Ten Commandments.
The controversy surrounding the historical date of the Fast of the Tenth of Muharram highlights the complexity of reconciling different calendar systems and understanding the historical context of religious rituals and holidays. While Dar al-Iftaa al-Misriyya has settled the issue of when the Prophet Muhammad arrived in Medina, the debate regarding the date of the Fast of the Tenth of Muharram remains unsettled, and further research and analysis may be required to reach a conclusive answer. Nonetheless, the importance of this event in Islamic history is undeniable, and it continues to be commemorated by Muslims around the world as a symbol of sacrifice, bravery, and devotion.
Karbala is a city located in present-day Iraq, and it was the site of a major battle that took place in the year 680 AD, or 61 AH in the Islamic calendar. This battle, known as the Battle of Karbala, was fought between the forces of the Umayyad caliph Yazid I and a small group of supporters of Imam Hussain, who was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Imam Hussain and his companions fought bravely, but ultimately, they were killed and their bodies were desecrated by the Umayyad forces.
The tragedy of Karbala is significant in Islamic history for several reasons. First and foremost, it marks the end of the period of the Rashidun caliphs, who were the four immediate successors of the Prophet Muhammad and are widely considered to be the rightly-guided leaders of the Muslim community. After the death of the fourth caliph, Ali ibn Abi Talib, there was a dispute over who should succeed him, and the Umayyad dynasty eventually came to power. The Battle of Karbala was a pivotal moment in this struggle for power, as it demonstrated the lengths to which the Umayyads were willing to go to maintain their rule.
Another reason why the tragedy of Karbala is so significant is because it highlights the principle of justice in Islam. Imam Hussain and his companions were killed unjustly, and their deaths were a clear violation of the principles of justice and fairness that are central to the Islamic faith. The commemoration of Ashura, which is the day on which the Battle of Karbala took place, serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
Finally, the tragedy of Karbala is important because it has had a profound impact on Islamic culture and tradition. The events of Karbala have been commemorated and mourned by Muslims for centuries, and the memory of Imam Hussain and his companions continues to inspire and motivate Muslims around the world. The commemoration of Ashura is a time for reflection, mourning, and repentance, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the human capacity for both good and evil.
The genocide incidents that taking place daily in Gaza via the Zionist IDF is similar to Karbala incident
The ongoing conflict in Gaza and the recent incidents of violence and bloodshed committed by the Zionist Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have striking similarities to the historical event of Karbala and the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) during Ashura, the 10th of Muharram. The Palestinian people, like Imam Hussein and his followers, are facing a powerful and oppressive force that seeks to eliminate them and strip them of their rights, dignity, and humanity.
In the same way that Imam Hussein and his companions stood up against the tyranny and oppression of the Umayyad caliph Yazid, the people of Gaza are resisting the unjust and brutal occupation of their land by the Israeli forces. The IDF’s actions, including the use of excessive and disproportionate force, indiscriminate bombing, and attacks on civilian areas, are reminiscent of the way the Umayyad army targeted Imam Hussein and his supporters in Karbala.
The IDF’s violence in Gaza, including the massacre in Khan Younis, is an attempt to crush the spirit of resistance and resilience among the Palestinian people. However, just as Imam Hussein’s martyrdom only served to strengthen the resolve of his followers and inspire future generations, the suffering and sacrifices of the Palestinian people will not be in vain.
The lessons of Karbala, which highlight the importance of standing up for justice, truth, and freedom, are more relevant than ever in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The suffering and oppression of the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza, must be recognized and addressed. The international community must take action to protect the rights and lives of the Palestinian people, and to work towards a just and lasting peace in the region.
To Conclude, Karbala and Ashura are significant events in Islamic history due to Imam Hussein’s adherence to his grandfather Prophet Mohamed’s will regarding Shoura, consensus, and selecting the best elements for ruling. These events serve as a reminder of the importance of justice, equality, and good governance, inspiring Muslims worldwide to work towards a better, more just society. The tragedy of Karbala, despite disagreements over the date of Prophet Muhammad’s arrival in Medina, is one of the most significant events in Islamic history. The bravery and sacrifice of Imam Hussain and his companions, along with the injustice they faced, have left an indelible mark on Islamic culture and tradition. The commemoration of Ashura is a time for Muslims to reflect on these events, remember the importance of justice and fairness, and renew their commitment to standing up for what is right. The events in Gaza and Karbala share a common theme of resistance against oppression, tyranny, and injustice. The lessons of Karbala and Imam Hussein serve as inspiration and strength for the Palestinian people and all those seeking justice and freedom.
