Why is this day known as Ashurah ?
The conventional meaning of Ashura in the Shariah refers to the 10th of Muharram-ul-Haraam. In his distinguished book, "Ghuniyatut Taalibeen", Hazrat Ghaus-ul-Azam, Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani (radi Allahu anhu) writes that the Ulema have a difference of opinion, as to why this day is known as Ashura. Since the reason has been explained in various ways, the consensus of the majority of the Ulema is that it is known as Ashurah because it is the 10th day of Muharram, while certain Ulema say that from the sacred days that Almighty Allah blessed the Ummat-e-Muhammadi with, this day is the 10th most important day, and it is for this reason that it is known as Ashurah. (Ghuniyatut Taalibeen, Pg. 428)
Significant Events concerning Ashurah
With the exception of the Martyrdom of Sayyiduna Imam-e-Hussain (radi Allahu anhu) there are also various other incidents which occurred on Yaum-e-Ashurah. It is also for those reasons that this day has received such excellence. In his internationally renowned Kitaab, "Nuzhatul Majaalis", Hazrat Sheikh Abdur Rahman Safoori (radi Allahu anhu) explains the following important events which took place on Yaum-e-Ashurah:
It was on this day that the Skies earth and the Lauw-e-Qalam came into existence.
It was on this day that Hazrat Adam (alaihis salaam) and Hazrat Hawa were created.
Hazrat Adam's (alaihis salaam) Tauba was accepted.
Hazrat Nooh's (alaihis salaam) Ark came on land.
Hazrat Ibrahim (alaihis salaam) received the status of Khaleelullah.
Hazrat Yaqub (alaihis salaam) met Hazrat Yusuf (alaihis salaam) after 40 years.
Hazrat Idrees (alaihis salaam) was raised into the skies.
Hazrat Ayub (alaihis salaam) regained his health.
Hazrat Yunus (alaihis salaam) was released from the stomach of the fish.
Hazrat Dawud's (alaihis salaam) Tauba was accepted.
Hazrat Sulaiman (alaihis salaam) received his Kingdom.
Hazrat Esa (alaihis salaam) was raised into the skies.
Hazrat Muhammad Mustapha (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) made Nikah to Hazrat Bibi Khadija (radi Allahu anha).
It is on this day that Qiyamat will occur.
The Namaaz of Yaum-e-Ashurah
The Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustapha (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has stated, "That person who performs four rakaats of Namaaz on the day of Ashurah in this way, that he reads the entire Sura Ikhlaas (Qulhuwal laa) 11 times after Sura Fatiha in every rakaat, then Almighty Allah will forgive fifty years of his sins, and he will blessed with a Mimbar (pulpit) of Noor." (Nuzhatul Majalis, Vol.1, Pg. 181)
