The Day of Ashura is closely connected to one of the most remarkable stories mentioned in the Qur’an—the story of Prophet Musa (AS) and his struggle against Pharaoh. This story is not simply a historical account; it is a timeless lesson about faith, patience, courage, and trust in Allah.
Every year, Muslims fast on Ashura in remembrance of the day Allah granted victory to Musa (AS) and saved the Children of Israel from one of the greatest tyrants the world has ever known.
Understanding this story allows believers to appreciate the true significance of Ashura and the valuable lessons it offers for daily life.
THE TYRANNY OF PHARAOH
Pharaoh ruled Egypt with arrogance and oppression. He claimed lordship over his people and demanded absolute obedience.
His cruelty became particularly severe toward the Children of Israel. He enslaved them, subjected them to harsh treatment, and spread fear throughout the land.
When astrologers predicted the birth of a boy who would one day challenge his authority, Pharaoh ordered the killing of newborn male children among the Israelites.
It was during this difficult period that Allah decreed the birth of Musa (AS).
THE MIRACULOUS CHILDHOOD OF MUSA (AS)
Fearing for her son’s life, the mother of Musa (AS) received divine inspiration from Allah. She was instructed to place her baby in a basket and set it afloat on the river.
The basket eventually reached the household of Pharaoh himself.
In an extraordinary turn of events, the very ruler who sought to kill Musa (AS) unknowingly raised him in his own palace.
This was one of the earliest signs that Allah’s plans cannot be stopped by human power.
No matter how carefully Pharaoh plotted, Allah had already determined the future of Musa (AS).
THE CALL TO PROPHETHOOD
As Musa (AS) grew older, Allah selected him as a prophet and messenger.
Near Mount Tur, Allah spoke to Musa (AS) and commanded him to go to Pharaoh with the message of monotheism.
Musa (AS) was instructed to call Pharaoh to worship Allah alone and abandon his oppression.
Although Musa (AS) felt concerned about the immense responsibility before him, he obeyed Allah’s command and set out on his mission.
This teaches believers that success comes through obedience, even when a task appears difficult.
THE CONFRONTATION WITH PHARAOH
Musa (AS) and his brother Harun (AS) repeatedly invited Pharaoh to accept the truth.
Instead of listening, Pharaoh mocked them and rejected their message.
Allah supported Musa (AS) with numerous signs and miracles, including the staff that transformed into a serpent and the shining hand that amazed observers.
Despite witnessing these miracles, Pharaoh remained arrogant.
His pride prevented him from accepting the truth, even when the evidence stood clearly before him.
This serves as a warning that arrogance can blind a person to guidance.
THE GREAT ESCAPE
After years of rejection and oppression, Allah commanded Musa (AS) to lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt.
They departed during the night, hoping to escape Pharaoh’s tyranny.
When Pharaoh learned of their departure, he assembled his army and pursued them.
Eventually, Musa (AS) and his followers reached the shore of the sea.
Ahead of them was the water. Behind them was Pharaoh’s powerful army.
The situation appeared hopeless.
Many among the Children of Israel became fearful and believed they would be captured.
But Musa (AS) remained firm in his faith.
He declared that Allah was with them and would guide them.
THE MIRACLE OF THE SEA
At Allah’s command, Musa (AS) struck the sea with his staff.
Immediately, the sea parted, creating a path through which the believers could safely cross.
Musa (AS) and his followers passed through the sea while Pharaoh and his army continued their pursuit.
When the believers reached safety, Allah caused the waters to return to their natural state.
Pharaoh and his army were drowned.
Thus, Allah saved the oppressed and destroyed the tyrant.
This miraculous event is the reason Ashura became a day of gratitude and fasting.
LESSONS FROM ASHURA
The story of Musa (AS) contains many lessons for Muslims.
The first lesson is that Allah’s help is always near, even when circumstances seem impossible.
The second lesson is that patience is essential. Musa (AS) endured years of hardship before victory arrived.
The third lesson is that truth ultimately prevails over falsehood, regardless of how powerful the oppressor may appear.
The fourth lesson is the danger of arrogance. Pharaoh’s downfall was not caused by a lack of evidence but by his refusal to submit to the truth.
The fifth lesson is the importance of trusting Allah during moments of uncertainty and fear.
WHY MUSLIMS FAST ON ASHURA
When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ learned that Musa (AS) fasted on this day in gratitude to Allah, he also fasted and encouraged Muslims to do the same.
The fast of Ashura is therefore a way of remembering Allah’s mercy, expressing gratitude, and seeking forgiveness.
It reminds believers that Allah controls all affairs and that no difficulty is beyond His power to remove.
CONCLUSION
The story of Prophet Musa (AS) and Pharaoh is one of the most powerful narratives in Islamic history. It demonstrates the triumph of faith over tyranny, patience over hardship, and trust over fear.
Ashura keeps these lessons alive for every generation of Muslims. Through fasting and reflection, believers remember that Allah never abandons those who remain steadfast in His path.
As we observe Ashura, may we strengthen our faith, increase our trust in Allah, and learn from the courage and perseverance of Prophet Musa (AS). May Allah grant us the ability to follow the path of the prophets and remain firm upon the truth. Ameen.
