Fasting Family

Fasting on the day of Ashura is a meaningful act of worship for Muslims. The term Ashura originates from the Arabic word asharah which translates to ten. Hence, Ashura is known as the 10th day of Muharram that is the initial month of the Islamic calendar. Several Muslims families decide to fast on this particular day to earn reward and be closer to Allah. This article will focus on the history of Ashura, spiritual benefits, family reflection on the Mercy of Allah, charity, and highlighting Islamic holidays.

History

Ashura is an important event because Allah saved Prophet Moses or Musa (Peace be Upon Him) and the Children of Israel from the oppressive Pharaoh and his army. As they chased them, Allah separated the sea, permitting Prophet Musa and his people to pass safely. Then, the sea closed and they were drowned into the sea.

Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) encouraged fasting on Ashura to commemorate that event and remember Allah’s mercy.

Spiritual Benefits

1. Forgiveness of Past Sins: Provides a new beginning by cleaning the soul.

It was narrated from Abu Qatadah that Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) said:

“Fasting the day of ‘Ashura’, I hope, will expiate the sins of the previous year.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah 1738)

Thus, Muslim families fasting on Ashura can remove past sins of last year.

2. Stronger Connection to Faith: Fasting makes Muslim families have a stronger bond to Allah, developing attentiveness and thankfulness for Allah’s care and blessings in their daily lives.

Families Reflection on the Mercy of Allah

Fasting for Ashura is voluntary, but it is filled with reward. Also, it reminds Muslim families of Allah’s mercy and the opportunity for repentance. When families fast together on Ashura, they are creating shared memories of faith and thankfulness.

Families can use this day to reflect on Allah’s mercy in many simple and meaningful ways, such as:

• Share personal stories: Each family member can describe a situation when they felt Allah assisted, guided, or saved them.
• Read Quranic stories: Read together the story of Prophet Moses and ponder on how Allah’s mercy saved him and his people. Moreover, parents can mention significant lessons that can assist them in their lives, for instance to depend on Allah during times of difficulty.
• Make dua (supplication) together: Spend time making du’a as a family, thanking Allah for their blessings and requesting for continued mercy and support.
• Helping others: Exhibit mercifulness within the family, friends, and community, like assisting someone in need or volunteering at events.

Charity

Another way to make Ashura significant as a family is by giving zakat or charity together. Families can do this in many simple and sincere ways:

• Give children money to donate: Parents can give their children little amounts and let them select a charity, showing them the habit of giving to others.
• Support different causes: Donations can go to orphans, the hungry, masjids, or any cause that assists others.
• Deliver food to others: Families can cook meals and deliver them to neighbors or those in need.
• Share sweets or meals: Preparing special foods and sharing with friends or inviting someone who lives alone can spread happiness.
• Display kindness in different ways: Charity is not only money. It also has kind words, smiles, and helping each other.

Jabir bin Abdullah (May Allah Be Pleased With Him) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) said:

“Every good is charity. Indeed among the good is to meet your brother with a smiling face, and to pour what is left in your bucket into the vessel of your brother.”

(Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1970)

This hadith teaches that every good deed counts as charity. For example, smiling at someone is charity. Moreover, kindness does not always require money. Rather, simple and daily actions that are done with good intentions have reward from Allah.

Practicing charity on Ashura helps children feel part of something bigger than themselves. It permits the family to act together for a good cause and feel the happiness of giving.

Highlighting Islamic Holidays

Ashura is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate Islamic holidays at home and masjid. Occasionally, Islamic holidays may not have as much attention at home as other celebrations. However, small efforts can make a big impact in how children comprehend and value their Islamic faith.

• Decorate the home: Use lights, banners, or Islamic art to make the day become memorable.
• Prepare traditional foods or sweets: Even while fasting, families can prepare special treats to enjoy after breaking the fast.
• Make learning fun: Make a family quiz or interactive game to engage children in learning about the story of Prophet Moses that is related to Ashura.
• Practice dhikr (remembrance) and dua: Spend time remembering Allah, making dua, and reflecting on Allah’s blessings.
• Attend events at the local masjid: Attend special lectures, children’s programs, or community gatherings that assist families to feel connected to the Muslim community while learning more about Ashura.

Every year, when my family and I fast for Ashura, we attend lectures and gatherings at our local masjid. We enjoy fasting, seeing friends, and meeting new people there. It is a wonderful and enjoyable time.

The Quran stated:

“And be patient! Certainly Allah does not discount the reward of the good-doers.”

(Surah Hud: 11: 115)

This verse reminds Muslim families that every small effort they make to commemorate Islamic holidays such as worship, learning, or kindness that will be rewarded by Allah. Easy actions done with sincerity bring great blessings and increase faith at home.

Ashura is a wonderful time for Muslim families to fast, pray, and reflect together. Verily, it will help strengthen their connection to Allah and towards each other. This holy day becomes an opportunity for more blessings, mercy, and comprehension of what it means to live as a Muslim family. Allow this sacred day to be a time of unity and growth.

Author Bio: Amanda Hasan is a graduate of the University of Toronto (Bachelor of Arts) and Humber College (Law Clerk). She is the author of Joyless, an Amazon novella that tells the story of a lonely teenage girl working at an amusement park. More recently, Amanda copyedited several children’s stories for Compass Books. She also worked with Muslim Network TV writing scripts, securing guest speakers, and prepping for interviews. Amanda is currently residing in the Greater Toronto Area with her family.