Ashura is closely approaching

Assalaamu Alaykum everyone! Ashura is closely approaching and it is recommended that we fast the day of Ashura as well as a day before it or after it. There are many occasions in Islamic history that happened on the day of Ashura and fasting these two days erases the sins of the previous year.

One of the most awe-inspiring occurrences that took place in Ashura was the Exodus; Musa leading Bani Israel to the Red Sea as Fir'awn and his soldiers are at their heels. It feels as if failure is imminent, ahead of them is the Red Sea and behind them are men intent on killing them. Bani Israel's response is a common one of despair, "Surely, we will be overtaken!"

How does Musa respond?
Musa says, "Kalla!" "No!" "Inna ma'aya Rabbee, sayyahdeen"- Indeed, I have my Lord; He will guide me."

What an amazing response, there is no fear. No anxiety. It's a complete conviction in Allah's plan. However, did Musa always have this innate confidence or did it develop over time?

The first time Musa (as) meets Allah (swt), Allah commands Musa to throw down his staff and it becomes this huge, living, snake. Musa responds in a way most of us would- he flees and does not return. Allah reassures him by saying, "Do not be afraid. We will return it to its original form." Here, we see the physical manifestation of Musa's fear.

When Allah (swt) commands Musa to speak to Fir'awn, we see Musa's internal fears manifest themselves. Musa explains to his Lord all of his anxiety, "I am afraid they will kill me." "I am afraid they will deny the message." "Aide me with Haroon, he is better in speech." Allah encourages Musa and is gentle with him. Allah says, "Do not worry. I am with you both. I hear and I see." "I chose you for Me.”

Now, lastly, we see Musa in front of the Red Sea, responsible for the men, women, and children of Bani Israel. Firawn, the worst of creation, is ready to slaughter them all. And yet, there is no longer any fear, anxiety, or trepidation in his words. "Indeed, I have my Lord, He will guide me."

Sometimes, we see a sea of problems in our lives and we wish we had a miraculous staff that could split all the worry, fear, and anxiety asunder. Let Ashura be a time where we perform a small exodus and leave some of our fear and anxiety repeating to ourselves the beautiful verse:

قَالَ كَلَّا ۖ إِنَّ مَعِيَ رَبِّي سَيَهْدِينِ ﴿٦٢﴾
Indeed, I have my Lord. He will guide me.