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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 49063, member: 636"] Muslims around the world mark a special day each year called Ashura. The name comes from an Arabic word that means ten. Ashura falls on the tenth day of Muharram, which starts the Islamic calendar. Prophet Muhammad used to fast on this day and told his followers to do the same. The entire month of Muharram holds sacred meaning for Muslims everywhere. This holy month ranks as the second most important time after Ramadan for fasting and prayer. Arab tribes stopped fighting during Muharram even before Islam arrived because they respected its sacred nature. Prophet Muhammad called Muharram the month of Allah. He taught that fasting during this month brings more reward than any other time except Ramadan. Religious scholars say this makes Muharram extremely special for believers. Ashura carries deep meaning because of historical events that happened on this date. Noah's ark landed on Mount al-Judi after the great flood ended. Moses and his people escaped from Pharaoh's army on the same day. Both Noah and Moses fasted to thank God for saving them. Prophet Muhammad learned that Jewish people also fasted on Ashura to remember Moses. He decided Muslims should fast on this day because they had stronger connections to Moses. Before Ramadan fasting became required, Muslims had to fast on Ashura. After Ramadan rules started, Ashura fasting became a choice rather than a requirement. People who fast on Ashura receive forgiveness for sins from the previous year. Prophet Muhammad suggested fasting one day before or after Ashura to make the practice different from Jewish customs. [/QUOTE]

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