On the day of Ashurah, Muslims commemorate the salvation of Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel from the tyranny of Pharaoh. This day, observed on the 10th of Muharram, is a powerful reminder of Allah's mercy and the triumph of faith over oppression.
The Story of Musa and Pharaoh
According to Islamic tradition, Pharaoh (Fir'aun) was a tyrannical ruler who enslaved the Children of Israel, slaughtered their sons, and spared their women. Allah, in His wisdom, chose to bestow favour upon the oppressed. He inspired the mother of Musa to place her infant in a basket and cast it into the river, with the promise that He would return him to her and make him a messenger. The basket reached Pharaoh's palace, where Musa was raised under Allah's protection.
As an adult, Musa was commanded by Allah to call Pharaoh to worship the One God. Pharaoh, arrogantly claiming divinity, rejected the message and gathered magicians to oppose Musa. However, when Musa threw his staff, it devoured the magicians' tricks, leading them to believe in the Lord of Musa and Aaron. Enraged, Pharaoh resorted to torture and killing, including the murder of his own believing wife, Asiyah.
The Parting of the Sea
Allah commanded Musa to lead the believers out of Egypt. Pharaoh pursued them with a vast army. Trapped between the sea and the enemy, the believers feared destruction. But Musa declared: "No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me." (Quran 26:62) At Allah's command, Musa struck the sea with his staff, and it parted into dry paths. The Children of Israel crossed safely, while Pharaoh and his army followed. When the last of the believers had crossed, the sea closed over Pharaoh and his forces, drowning them all.
This event is described in the Quran: "And recall when We saved you from the people of Pharaoh, who were afflicting you with the worst torment – killing your sons and keeping your women alive. And in that was a great trial from your Lord. And recall when We parted the sea for you and saved you and drowned the people of Pharaoh while you were looking on." (Quran 2:49-50)
Lessons from Ashurah
Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau, Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu'ah Mosque in Kogi State, Nigeria, delivered a Friday sermon emphasising the lessons from this story. He stated: "The victory of the believers is a right that Allah has made incumbent upon Himself. Allah the Most High says: 'And it was incumbent upon Us to aid the believers.' (Quran 30:47)"
The Imam highlighted that salvation from every distress is in Allah's hands alone. The path to salvation is through believing in Allah alone, relying on Him, and remaining steadfast in His command. He noted that the common factor among those saved in the stories of the prophets is faith (iman).
Fasting on Ashurah
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) arrived in Madinah and found the Jews fasting on Ashurah. He asked them, and they replied: "This is a great day. It is the day when Allah saved Musa and drowned the people of Pharaoh. So, Musa fasted out of gratitude to Allah." The Prophet said: "I have more right to Musa than they do." So he fasted and ordered fasting on that day. (Bukhari and Muslim)
When asked about the virtue of fasting on Ashurah, the Prophet said: "I hope that Allah will expiate the sins of the year that came before it." (Muslim) It is also recommended to fast the 9th of Muharram along with the 10th to differentiate from the Jews. The Prophet said: "If I live until next year, I will certainly fast the ninth." (Muslim)
Conclusion
The story of Musa and Pharaoh serves as a timeless reminder that truth triumphs over falsehood, and Allah's promise of victory for the believers is true. Imam Gusau urged believers to trust in Allah's promise, seek His help, and be patient. He concluded with a prayer: "Ya Allah, bring relief to the oppressed among the believers everywhere, and bestow Your victory upon Your monotheistic servants."
