Day of Ashura

Muharram: 1st Month of the Islamic Calendar
Sunni References
The Tenth of Muharram and Ashurah
The Islamic year begins with Muharram ul Haram,the first month of the
Hijri Calendar. While followers of other religions spend their opening
month in worthless merriment, thefirst month of Islam teaches us
lessons of admonition, good counselling, knowledge of Allah Ta'ala,
sacrifice, selflessness, patience andseeking the pleasure of Allah
Ta'ala.
The tenth day of Muharram (Ashurah) has many distinctive qualitiesand
features. Allah Ta'ala created the heavens and the earth on this
blessed day. On this day He gave His infinite blessings and bounties
to many of His Prophets and delivered them from the clutches oftheir
enemies.
Allah Ta'ala created Hazrat Adam (Alaihis-Salam) in this month,
pardoned him of his mistake, and Hazrat Noah's (Alaihis-Salam) Ark
landed successfully on Mount Judi, and he saved Hazrat Ibrahim
(Alaihis-Salam) from fire and rescued Hazrat Musa (Alaihis-Salam) from
Pharaoh.
On the first of Muharram offer 2 rakats Nafl prayer.In each rakat
after Surah Fateha recite Surah Ikhlas3 times. After the Salam pray to
Allah Ta'ala for allyour needs and desires. From the blessing of this
prayer, Allah Ta'ala will appoint an angel for sucha person. The angel
will guide him or her to do only good deeds and prevent them in
engaging in sinful acts.
On the eve of "Ashurah" offer 100 rakats Nafl. In each rakat recite
Surah Ikhlas 3 times after SurahFateha. After Salam recitefirst
'Kalimah' 100 times. Allah Ta'ala will forgive all the sins of such a
person.
Dua-e-Ashurah - An insurance for a year's Life
Hazrat Imam Zainul Abidain (Radi Allah Anhu)reports that who ever
recites this dua( Dua-e- Ashurah ) on the tenth of Muharram, any time
aftersunrise and before sunset, or listens to its recitation from
someone else, Allah Ta'ala will certainly make it an insurance for a
years' life for him, by keeping death away from him. However, if one
is to become the victim of death in that year, they will by some
strange coincidence not remember to recite it.
Nafl Salat for the Eve of Ashurah
On the eve of Ashurah offer 4 rakats Nafl Salat as follows: In every
rakat after Surah Fateha recite"Ayetul Kursi" once and Surah Ikhlas 3
times. After completing this Namaz recite Surah Ikhlas100 times. Allah
Ta'ala will purify such a person of all their sins and grant them
endless bounties and blessings in paradise.
The Fast of Ashurah
On the 9th and 10th of Muharram, one should fast. If it is not
possible tofast on both days, then every effort should be made to fast
on the 10th day of Muharram, as there is great reward for this fast.
(Muslim Shareef).
The following are some of the desirable acts one should do on the day
of Ashurah:
1. To observe fast on this day.
2. To give as much charityas you can afford.
3. To perform Nafl Salat prayers.
4. To recite Surah Ikhlas 1000 times.
5. To visit and be in the company of pious Ulema.
6. To place a hand of affection on an orphan's head.
7. To give generously to one's relatives.
8. To put surma in one's eyes.
9. To take a bath.
10. To cut one's nails.
11. To visit the sick.
12. To establish friendly ties with one's enemies.
13. To recite Dua-e- Ashurah
14. To visit the shrines of Awliyas and the graves of Muslims.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (RadiAllah Anhu), a Companion of the Holy
Prophet Muhammad (Sall Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam) reports the following
saying of the Messenger of Allah Ta'ala,"Whosoever prepares ample
foodand drink for his family on this sacred day and delights in
feeding them generously, Allah Ta'ala will increase His provisions for
that year and place much blessings and good therein."
Imam Hussain (Radi Allah Anhu) and his companions were martyred on the
tenth of this month.
Like any month in the Islamic Calendar there are in this first Islamic
month, many anniversaries which are celebrated every where in the w
orld.