Awqaf Ministry reminds Muslims of Ashurah fast

QNA/DohaThe Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has issued a statement reminding Muslims of fasting the day of Ashurah, the 10th day of Muharram, in pursuance of the Sunnah (sayings and deeds) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).  According to the Companion Ibn ‘Abbas, (Radi-Allahu anhu), the Prophet, (PBUH), when migrated to Madinah, found that the Jews of Madinah used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which the Prophet Musa (Moses), (alayhis salam), and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously and the Pharaoh drowned in its waters. On hearing this from the Jews, the Prophet, said, “We are more closely related to Musa (alayhi salam), than you,” and directed the Muslims to fast on the day of Ashurah. The Crescent Sighting Committee at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has announced that Thursday, corresponding to October 15, 2015, is the first day of the month of Muharram 1437, and that Saturday, October 24, 2015 will be the day of Ashurah.