Quora Answer: What do Sunni Muslims Think of the Day of 'Ashura?

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “What do Sunni Muslims think of the Day of ‘Ashura?” 

In Sunni Islam, ‘Ashura has a spiritual meaning.  Each prophet experienced a significant event on that day.  All those prophets, except Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.), had a positive development on that day.  Adam (a.s.) was Forgiven by Allah (s.w.t.); Noah (a.s.) was Saved from the flood and the ark came to rest; Moses (a.s.) was Saved from Pharaoh with the Israelites and received the Commandments; Abraham (a.s.) was Saved from the fire of Nimrod and received his title, ‘al-Khalil’ and Jesus (a.s.) was Raised up to Heaven. 

Additionally, this was also the Day, Enoch (a.s.) was Raised to the Heavens; Job (a.s.) was Relieved from his trial; Jonah (a.s.) was saved from the three layers of darkness; David (a.s.) was Forgiven; Solomon (a.s.) Received his kingdom and was Restored to it.  As for our prophet, Muhammad (s.a.w.), this was the day he married Khadijah (r.a.).  It was also that day, his grandson was murdered along with his family in a barbaric manner.  It is a day of rejoicing for all the followers of other prophets because their prophets were Saved.  But for our Prophet (s.a.w.), for his people, it is not necessarily a day of rejoicing.  Rather, it is a day of mourning.  This contrast has a spiritual meaning. 

So, for Sunni Islam, it is bittersweet.  However, we also recognise Divine Decree, and husn azh-zhan, believe the best, with Allah (s.w.t.).  The Prophet (s.a.w.) said that Sayyidina Hassan ibn ‘Ali (r.a.) and Sayyidina Husayn ibn ‘Ali (r.a.) are the leaders of the youth of Paradise.  He always knew that they would die young, and in that trial, they were emancipated from the world, and have Returned to a Greater Reward.