Reflections on Ashura

Article 3

“By the Ten Nights” (The Holy Qur’an, Surah Al-Fajr, Verse 2)

Certain events in history remain unforgettable despite the passage of time. No matter how determined the efforts to erase them from collective memory may be, some events continue to live on in human consciousness. Human memory is selective: it preserves some chapters of history while allowing others to fade away. Such selectivity is not accidental; it has its own reasons.

The month of Muharram—particularly its first ten days, culminating in the Day of Ashura—belongs to this category of enduring historical events. Had the tragedy of Karbala, which occurred centuries ago, not been so profoundly connected to the human soul and conscience, it would have long since faded into history. Yet the opposite has happened. Rather than being forgotten, its remembrance has grown stronger and more widespread with each passing generation.

Throughout history, various authorities have attempted to restrict or suppress the commemorations of Ashura. Nevertheless, no effort has succeeded in eliminating this tradition altogether. While its outward expression may at times appear to weaken, the spiritual attachment that people feel toward it has endured. This attachment is rooted not merely in emotion but also in deep historical and spiritual foundations. Consequently, attempts to prohibit these commemorations have often produced the opposite effect, reinforcing public interest and commitment to the Ashura tradition.

In an age in which moral and spiritual values are increasingly pushed to the margins, preserving the legacy of Ashura and the school of Imam Husayn requires profound responsibility. For this school represents far more than a tradition of mourning; it embodies an entire system of ethical values, faith, and worldview.

Today’s information environment frequently promotes a superficial, simplified, and entertainment-oriented lifestyle. Within such an atmosphere, safeguarding profound spiritual values becomes increasingly difficult. Yet despite these challenges, the tradition of Ashura continues to endure and to inspire successive generations.

Modern people are generally inclined to evaluate events through the lenses of reason, evidence, and critical reflection. Therefore, the message of Ashura should not be presented solely through emotional appeal; it must also be explained through intellectual inquiry, education, and thoughtful analysis. Otherwise, its true significance may remain only partially understood.

The events of Karbala demonstrate that external acts of worship alone are insufficient to keep a person on the path of truth. On the day of Karbala, individuals on both sides performed acts of worship, yet it was the difference in their understanding and worldview that determined their choices. A flawed way of thinking can misdirect even seemingly righteous deeds.

Similar examples can be observed today. Wrongful actions committed under the banner of religion are not the result of religion itself but rather of distorted thinking and corrupted interpretations of faith. Therefore, the central issue is not merely one’s actions but the mindset from which those actions arise.

When a person’s understanding is sound, his or her actions naturally move in the right direction. For this reason, cultivating sound thinking deserves at least as much attention as the performance of religious practices themselves.

The events of Ashura also remind us that history can be distorted by human misunderstanding. In that era, many people came to perceive truth as falsehood and falsehood as truth. This tragic inversion was the consequence of a distorted presentation and understanding of religion.

The tragedy of Karbala became a defining moment that distinguished authentic religion from its false representations. Through his uprising, Imam Husayn exposed not only a historical injustice but also a profound crisis of thought and conscience. He restored awareness of the genuine values of Islam and awakened, at the very least, some of those whose hearts had fallen into spiritual slumber. Remembering Imam Husayn today and preserving his legacy is a continuation of that very awakening.

Regarding the divine words, “By the Ten Nights” (The Holy Qur’an, Surah Al-Fajr, Verse 2), Muslim scholars have offered various interpretations. According to some Qur’anic commentaries, the verse refers to the first ten nights of Dhul-Hijjah. Others maintain that it signifies the last ten nights of Ramadan. A third group of scholars interprets it as referring to the first ten nights of Muharram, including the night preceding Ashura.

Regardless of these differing interpretations, they all agree on one essential point: the ten nights mentioned in this verse represent sacred and distinguished periods of time. God swears only by that which possesses exceptional significance. Their sanctity enhances their spiritual value and profoundly influences the inner life of the believer. Therefore, the first ten nights of Muharram leading up to Ashura may indeed be counted among these blessed nights.

Namig Babakhanov