In the Holy Quran, four months are called 'sacred months': Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. The third of these four months is Muharram. Muharram is the first month of the Hijri calendar. Regarding its virtue, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best fast after Ramadan is the fast in the month of Allah, Muharram.' The tenth day of Muharram is called the Day of Ashura. 'Ashura' in Arabic means 'ten', derived from the word 'ashara'. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
Fasting on the Day of Ashura expiates sins for one year. The main deed on this day is fasting. Scholars say that before Ramadan fasting became obligatory, fasting on Ashura was obligatory. After Ramadan fasting was made fard, fasting on Ashura became sunnah. Regarding the reward of fasting on Ashura, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'I hope that Allah will forgive the sins of the past year for fasting on the Day of Ashura.' Fasting on Ashura is sunnah, and adding the ninth or eleventh day is mustahab.
This is a day of repentance and seeking forgiveness. On the days of Ashura, a person should seek forgiveness from Allah for past sins and repent. It is good to specifically ask for forgiveness for sins committed unknowingly.
On the Day of Ashura, one should give charity to the needy. The virtue of giving charity on this day is great. Amr ibn al-As said: 'Fasting on the Day of Ashura is like fasting for a whole year, and giving charity on this day is like giving charity for a whole year.' A Muslim should show care and share what they have on Ashura and at other times. Those who spend their wealth for the sake of Allah and give charity receive great reward and blessings in their wealth. Even angels pray for them.
Ashura is a day to bring joy to your family. For a family to live in harmony and happiness, each member must contribute. Besides mutual respect and warm relations, there should be a special day to bring joy. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever is generous to his family on the Day of Ashura, Allah will be generous to him for the whole year.'
Committing forbidden acts on the Day of Ashura is a major sin. The Quran forbids doing evil not only on this day but on every day granted by Allah. Especially during the four sacred months, one should avoid sins. The Day of Ashura is a day to thank Allah for His blessings, fast, perform charitable acts, and do good deeds.