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The month of Muharram is almost upon us, and the 10th of that month holds a special place for many believers. It is the Day of Ashura.
Ashura is the day that Allah split the Red Sea in half for Musa (AS) and the children of Israel to cross, protecting them from Pharaoh’s oppression.
But this story isn’t just something we learn about; it’s something that still speaks to us today. So, what can we take from this story in today’s lens? How can we apply this lesson to our daily lives?
The Day of Ashura is the day that Allah ordered Musa (AS) and the children of Israel to flee Egypt. Before this, Musa (AS) was commanded by Allah to go to the Pharaoh and call him and his people to the truth, that Allah is the one true God, by showing them the miracles given to him by the will of Allah. But the Pharaoh was arrogant and refused, rejecting what Musa (AS) was showing him.
So, Musa (AS) and the children of Israel fled Egypt that night and headed toward the Red Sea as Allah commanded. But word reached the Pharaoh, and he and his army chased after them. Many of Musa’s followers began to panic, losing hope and saying, “Where can we go?” There was nowhere to turn, with the sea in front of them and the army behind them.
Allah describes this moment in the Quran:
Even when the situation seemed impossible, Musa (AS) remained certain that Allah would make a way forward. As he was commanded, he struck his staff at the shore of the sea, and it split in half, creating a path for them to cross.
When Musa (AS) and the children of Israel had crossed, the Pharaoh and his army followed them into the sea. Then Allah caused the sea to close, and it swallowed the Pharaoh and his army.
Musa (AS) was in a situation with high stakes, with many people depending on him to keep them safe. Yet, he never doubted Allah; he had full certainty that there was a way out.
This level of trust is what Allah calls believers to develop:
Turning to Allah isn’t something we should only do when we have no other option left. It should be the first place we turn. It’s not a one-time thing; it’s something you keep coming back to, especially in moments when things feel uncertain.
Sometimes we try to control everything ourselves, thinking that will bring us peace, but it often does the opposite. Relying on Allah means letting go of that pressure and knowing that He is already taking care of what we cannot see.
Even if you truly believe, your body may still feel unsettled while your heart is at peace, and that’s okay. You’re human. What matters is that deep down, you still hold onto that certainty that Allah’s help will come when you need it.
That kind of reliance takes time. Musa (AS) had that confidence because, time and time again, Allah showed him that He was there when he needed it most. Have the intention to rely on Him, and you will begin to see the greatness that comes with it.
It is highly encouraged by our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to fast on the 10th of Muharram, the Day of Ashura, as well as a day before and after it. This was recommended to distinguish our fasting from others and to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
Fasting on this day gives the believer a chance to have their sins from the previous year forgiven, giving you the opportunity to start fresh in this Islamic New Year.
Trusting can be difficult, especially when it feels easier to do everything on your own or when you feel like there’s no point in trying at all. But turning back to Allah can ease those feelings of stress, anxiety, and heaviness.
Allah wants to help those who rely on Him, and when they do, He gives more than they could imagine. Allah reminds us:
This Muharram make the intention to rely on Allah, not just for now, but in the moments that feel uncertain. Because sometimes, the way forward only becomes clear when you choose to trust.
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