Ashura

Today millions of Muslims worldwide are fasting to observe the day when God saved Moses and the Children of Israel from the Pharaoh. For the past 1400 years, Muslims have been observing this great event in history by fasting and remembering God's favor to Moses and his followers. This tradition is based on Prophet Muhammad's recommendation to Muslims to fast on this day. This day is called the day of Ashura, which falls on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Fasting on the day of Ashura was obligatory for Muslims until the fast in the month of Ramadan became mandatory. It may surprise many of you to read about a Muslim version of the Passover. However, if you look at the teachings of Islam, it becomes clear that noble messengers of God such as Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jacob, Isaac, Ishmael, Jesus, and Muhammad are accorded great respect and reverence. Within a period of a few weeks, Muslims, Jews, and Christians will have celebrated Eid Al-Adha, Hanukkah, and Christmas. This is a time to explore our commonalities and learn about our differences. You will be surprised to find how much we all have in common.