Fast Ashura and renew your faith
“We should encourage our families as well as our children to fast on these two days.”
Muharram is a specially honored month, and observing Ashura through fasting, family generosity, and renewed faith in Allah's help connects Muslims to Musa's deliverance and spiritual renewal.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Allah creates and selects people, places, and times, making Muharram especially sacred.
- The new 1448 Hijri year begins with Muharram, the month of Allah, introducing Ashura.
- The story of Musa and Fir'aun illustrates steadfast faith and the consequences of arrogant disbelief.
- The Prophet's connection to Musa led Muslims to fast Ashura, adding the ninth day for distinction.
- Ashura fasting is presented as expiation for minor sins, while generosity toward family is linked to barakah.
- Listeners are urged to fast on June 24 and 25 and encourage their families and children.
In the khateeb's words
“Allah creates whatever He wishes and then Allah chooses whatever He wants.”
“However, the faith of Musa Alayhi Salaam was unshakable.”
“So these are two days we should make it a point to fast. We should encourage our families as well as our children to fast on these two days”
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that Allah created time and gave certain months special honor, including Muharram. He told the story of Musa and his people at the sea, highlighting Musa's trust that Allah would guide him through a frightening situation. Fir'aun's arrogance and ending reminded us to accept correction and turn back to Allah while we have the opportunity. The khateeb encouraged fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram and explained that fasting on Ashura is a means of forgiveness for the previous year's minor sins. He also encouraged being generous with our families on Ashura, acknowledging weakness in the narration while explaining why scholars he cited considered the practice acceptable.
- What helps you remember Allah when you feel scared, as Musa's people did at the sea?
- How could we help each other prepare for the fasting days mentioned in the khutbah?
- What small extra kindness or gift would make someone in our family feel cared for?
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