Ashura and Hope for Palestine
Mufti Maruf Ahmed
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْم
The Day of Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, is one of the most virtuous days of the year. There are a number of powerful stories behind this day, filled with lessons and wisdom. These historical stories gives us hope, especially when we think about the pain of our brothers and sisters in Palestine today.
One of the most well-known historical events to have occurred on the Day of Ashura is the salvation of Musa (AS) and the destruction of Fir’awn. After many years of facing persecution from Fir’awn, Allah saved Prophet Musa (AS) and the Children of Israel from the tyranny of Fir’awn. He killed babies, enslaved people, and claimed to be god, but Allah never forgets the oppressed. After years of pain and hardship, Allah commanded Musa (AS) to lead his people to freedom.
When they reached the Red Sea, Fir’awn and his army were behind them. It looked impossible to escape, as the sea was in front of them and the army behind them. But Musa’s motto was:
My Lord is with me, He will guide me.(Surah al-Shu’ara, 26:62)
And it was true. Allah split the sea, and Musa (AS) and his people crossed safely. Fir’awn and his army followed, but the sea closed on them. The tyrant was destroyed, and the oppressed were saved.
This story is not just from the past. It is a message for today. When we look at the suffering of the Palestinians; bombs, destruction, hunger, fear, we feel helpless. The world watches, but little changes. The oppressors seem to keep getting away the worst possible crimes whilst the innocent continue to suffer.
But Ashura reminds us: no tyrant lasts forever. Fir’awn had power, weapons, and armies. But Allah is greater. He sees everything and He hears the cries of the oppressed. And just like He helped Musa, He will help the children, men and women of Palestine. Although we don’t know the exact moment of when the oppressed of Gaza will escape persecution, we know and believe with certainty that Allah does not ignore the cries of the oppressed, nor does He forget the crimes of the oppressors.
Do not think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. (Surah Ibrahim, 14:42)
We must have hope and never think that change is impossible. Fir'awn looked unbeatable, but Allah ended his rule in one moment.
Ashura teaches us that the pain may be long, but the help of Allah is near. It teaches us that when we stand for truth, Allah stands with us.
May Allah help the oppressed in Gaza and across the world.
Ameen.
