Is Ashura Really Haunted? The Virtues of the 10th of Muharram in Islam
When hearing the word Asyura or Suro, some people might immediately think of things considered haunted, sacred, or full of taboos. This perception has existed for quite a long time in some community traditions, particularly because the month of Muharam or Suro is often linked to myths and mystical stories.
However, in the Islamic perspective, Asyura is not a frightening day. Asyura is actually known as a noble day, specifically the tenth day of the month of Muharam. The term Asyura refers to the number ten, so Asyura day is understood as the 10th of Muharam.
Therefore, the assumption that Asyura is synonymous with bad luck, superstition, or a haunted atmosphere needs to be reconsidered proportionally. In Islamic teachings, the virtue of a day is not measured by developing myths, but by the value of worship, important events, and the spiritual lessons that can be drawn from it.
Asyura is the term for the tenth day of the month of Muharam. Muharam itself is one of the honoured months in Islam. Consequently, Asyura becomes a momentum for Muslims to increase good deeds, strengthen faith, and take lessons from the stories of the prophets and righteous people.
In several religious explanations, including those referring to the book Nihayatuz Zain by Syekh Muhammad Nawawi al-Bantani al-Makki, it is mentioned that the day of Asyura is associated with various important events in the history of the prophets. These events illustrate Allah’s help, forgiveness, safety, and the victory of truth over tyranny.
In Islamic scholarly tradition, the day of Asyura is often linked to several major events. Among them are the stories of Prophet Adam, Prophet Noah, Prophet Moses, and other prophets. These stories convey the message that Asyura is not a day to be feared, but rather a day for reflection and increasing good deeds.
One of the events said to be connected to Asyura is the creation of Prophet Adam and the acceptance of his repentance. The story of Prophet Adam and Eve teaches that humans can make mistakes, but the door of Allah’s forgiveness is always open for those who repent sincerely.
The prayer of repentance of Prophet Adam and Eve is also immortalised in the Qur’an, Surah Al-A’raf verse 23. This prayer contains an acknowledgment of one’s own mistakes and a plea for forgiveness from Allah. From this story, Asyura can be understood as a momentum to return to Allah, not as a frightening day.
The story of Prophet Noah teaches that trials may last a long time, but salvation will come to those who remain faithful and patient. In the context of Asyura, this message invites people to strengthen their belief that Allah’s help always comes at the right time.
This story is a symbol of liberation from tyranny. Asyura, in this context, is a reminder that unjust power will not last forever and that the truth will receive Allah’s help.
Also mentioned are the story of Prophet Ya’qub who regained his sight, Prophet Dawud who received forgiveness, and the martyrdom of Al-Husain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This series of stories shows that Asyura contains many lessons about patience, sacrifice, repentance, and Allah’s help.
Cultural traditions can certainly be part of a society’s richness, as long as they do not contradict religious values and do not foster excessive fear. However, if belief in myths makes someone afraid to do good, afraid to carry out activities, or consider a day inherently unlucky, that view needs to be corrected.
In Islam, no day brings absolute misfortune. The day of Asyura can instead be filled with worship, prayer, charity, increasing remembrance of Allah, and strengthening social bonds.
Asyura also teaches that the nobility of a day does not lie in the mystical stories surrounding it, but in the spiritual values that can be brought to life within it. When someone understands the meaning of Asyura correctly, the fear of myths will be replaced by a spirit to do good.
Therefore, rather than being trapped in myths and fear, Asyura should be filled with goodness. Understanding Asyura properly helps society see that this day is not to be feared, but to be honoured through good deeds and spiritual reflection.