Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura
Friday Sermon
4 July 2025 / 8 Muharram 1447H
Asyura – Upholding Truth, Overcoming Oppression
Dear blessed congregation,
Let us adorn ourselves with the garment of taqwa. Taqwa which guides us to carry out Allah’s commands and stay away from all His prohibitions. With taqwa and Allah's guidance, may we be granted safety and success in this world and in the Hereafter. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.
Dear blessed congregation,
We are still in the early part of the month of Muharram. Many are aware that the 10th of Muharram, also known as the Day of Asyura, will fall on Sunday. Let us reflect on the significance of Asyura through the history of the Pharaoh and Prophet Musa a.s.
For this, I will share a hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim, in which the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. observed the Jews in Madinah fasting on the Day of Asyura. Upon hearing that their reason for fasting was to commemorate the victory of Prophet Musa and his people (Bani Israil) over the Pharaoh, the Prophet s.a.w. said: "We have more rights (or we are closer) to Musa than you." He then fasted on the Day of Asyura, and instructed the Muslims to fast on that day. This occurred before the fast of Ramadan was made obligatory.
In another narration by Imam Muslim, the Prophet s.a.w. said which means: "I hope from Allah that it (fasting on the Day of Asyura) will expiate the sins of the previous year."
Imam Asy-Syafi’i also narrated that Ibn Abbas r.a. said: "Differentiate (our practice) from that of the Jews; fast on the ninth and tenth day."
Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, if we are able, I encourage us to observe this Sunnah of the Prophet s.a.w. by fasting on the Day of Asyura, in the hope that it will cleanse us of our past sins.
Respected congregation,
In discussing the story of the Pharaoh and Prophet Musa a.s., we often hear about Pharaoh’s oppression. Allah the Almighty says in Surah Al-A’raf, verse 103:
Which means: "Then We sent after them (the messengers) Musa with Our signs to the Pharaoh and his chiefs, but they were unjust towards them. So observe the fate of those who spread corruption."
The Quran also records how the Pharaoh abused his people, ordered the killing of male infants, claimed to be God, and threatened anyone who believed in Prophet Musa.
Yes, this part of the story between Prophet Musa a.s. and the Pharaoh is one that we are familiar with. However, we may sometimes overlook the warning that Prophet Musa a.s. gave to his own people. And what was that warning? That they should not oppress or wrong themselves. This is recorded in Surah AlBaqarah, verse 54 which means:
"And (recall) when Musa said to his people, 'O my people, you have truly (oppressed or) wronged yourselves by your worship of the calf. So, turn in repentance to your Creator.'"
Dear blessed congregation,
There are a few important lessons we can take as guidance when reflecting on the story of Prophet Musa a.s.:
First: Stop oppression, whether it is committed by others or inflicted upon oneself.
In his efforts to guide his people and overcome the Pharaoh’s oppression, Prophet Musa a.s. did not focus solely on Pharaoh’s wrongdoing while ignoring the faults of his own people. When his people erred, he immediately reminded them to return to the truth and not to oppress or wrong themselves through sin.
Prophet Musa’s evaluation of oppression and injustice was also introspective – he always remained mindful of his own actions. This is evident in his supplication in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 16:
Which means: "My Lord, indeed I have (oppressed or) wronged myself, so forgive me."
Second: Uphold truth with wisdom in every situation.
The Pharaoh’s oppression was never an excuse for Prophet Musa to return it with the same. On the contrary, Allah commanded Prophet Musa a.s. and his brother to speak to the Pharaoh gently. This teaches us that the Syariah calls for consistency in upholding the truth and noble values with wisdom. That is our duty as believers – to maintain the principle of ihsan (excellence in conduct) while conveying the truth. Beyond this, it is Allah who will ultimately judge and reward every action.
My dear brothers,
In essence, the oppression and downfall of the Pharaoh are only part of Prophet Musa’s journey. Whereas his true mission and purpose were to provide guidance and to uphold the truth.
This is the real lesson of Asyura – it is not merely the downfall of tyranny and oppression that should be celebrated, but more importantly, the reminder that Allah’s help is always with those who are steadfast in upholding truth and righteousness.
May Allah s.w.t. make us among His servants who stand firm upon the truth, remain consistent in displaying noble character in all situations, and grant us success in overcoming all forms of oppression. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.
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