Celebrating Ashura: All Prophets Are Brothers

Muslims believe in all prophets of God as well as in all Divine books. A Muslim’s faith will not be acceptable if he or she disbelieves in other God’s Prophets and Books. The Quran unequivocally states,

{The Messenger believes in that which has been revealed unto him from his Lord and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah and His angels and His scriptures and His messengers; We make no distinction between any of His messengers and they say: “We hear, and we obey. (Grant us) Your forgiveness, our Lord. Unto You is the final return} (Al-Bakarah 2: 285)

A Bond of Prophethood: Were Previous Prophets Muslims?

Moreover, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) made it clear that all Prophets of God are brothers, saying,

“Prophets are [like] paternal brothers, they have different mothers but their religion is one” (Muslim)

Celebrating the day of Ashura per se by Muslims and other communities—as elaborated above—promotes the concept and values of human brotherhood and sisterhood. Humans are real brothers and sisters; their father is one—Adam—and their mother is one—Eve.

Islam, in fact, emphasizes the significance of human brotherhood, irrespective of people’s cultures, faiths, races, or gender. Fasting Ashura, which is highly recommended by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), is one of the examples that proves Islam’s promotion of the values of human brotherhood and sisterhood.

Moreover, fasting on the day of Ashura—throughout centuries since the time of Prophet Musa until our time by people of different faiths and cultures—gathers people under the umbrella of human brotherhood.

It is a common duty, therefore, on all people, individuals and communities, to preserve and promote ties and values of brotherhood and sisterhood.