Ashura and divine justice

Divine Lessons from History: Ashura and the Fate of Nations

Introduction

The pages of history are filled with stories of nations—some that rose with justice and faith, and others that collapsed due to oppression and arrogance. Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, offers one of the clearest mirrors into Allah’s way with nations: how He uplifts the righteous and brings down the tyrants.

One Ummah, Then Division

Humanity began united upon Tawheed (monotheism), worshiping Allah alone without partners. For many generations, there was no shirk. But eventually, deviation crept in, starting with the people of Prophet Nuh (Noah), leading to the rise of idol worship and moral corruption.

Allah, in His mercy, sent prophets to each nation to call them back to truth. Yet many of these messengers were rejected, mocked, or even threatened.

A Divine Pattern: Rise and Fall of Nations

Allah’s method with nations is consistent and just. Whenever truth is delivered and rejected, divine consequences follow.

“Have they not traveled through the land and observed how was the end of those before them?”
(Surah Yusuf: 109)

Those who oppressed, rejected guidance, and spread corruption were destroyed—sometimes by floods, sometimes by earthquakes, winds, or fire. Nations like Aad, Thamud, Pharaoh’s Egypt, and others are reminders carved into the earth.

“We destroyed them for their sins, and We made for them a sign for those who would take heed.”
(Surah Al-Furqan: 37)

The Case of Pharaoh: Tyranny Meets Its End

Perhaps the clearest example is that of Pharaoh, who claimed to be a god and enslaved the believers. After decades of abuse, Allah delivered Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel—on the Day of Ashura—and drowned Pharaoh in the very sea he once claimed to control.

“So We took him and his soldiers and cast them into the sea. So see how was the end of the wrongdoers.”
(Surah Al-Qasas: 40)

Even in his final moments, Pharaoh declared faith—but it was too late.

“Now? When you had previously disobeyed and were of the corrupters?”
(Surah Yunus: 91)

Why Ashura Matters Today

Ashura is not a day of tragedy or political division—it is a day of gratitude, reflection, and remembrance of Allah’s justice.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fasted this day in gratitude for Allah’s deliverance of Musa and his people, and said:

“Fasting on the day of Ashura expiates the sins of the past year.”
(Muslim)

Reflections and Lessons for the Present

• Truth always triumphs, even after long hardship.
  
  
• Injustice will never go unanswered by Allah.
  
  
• Believers must remain patient and firm, trusting in divine wisdom.
  
  
• Victory comes after trial, not before.
  
  
• Ashura is a day to renew faith, not to indulge in sectarian practices.
  
  

Related Internal Links

• Learn more about the virtue of fasting Ashura and Arafah

Final Reflection

As you fast on Ashura, remember the deeper meaning: it is a reminder of Allah’s power, mercy, and justice. Just as He saved Musa and drowned Pharaoh, He supports those who stand for truth and humility—and He brings down those who persist in tyranny.

Let us not just commemorate Ashura with fasting, but with a renewed commitment to righteousness, justice, and gratitude.

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