Today millions of Muslims worldwide are fasting to observe the day when God saved Moses and the Children of Israel from the Pharaoh. For the past 1400 years, Muslims have been observing this great event in history by fasting and remembering God's favor to Moses and his followers. This tradition is based on Prophet Muhammad's recommendation to Muslims to fast on this day.
This day is called the day of Ashura, which falls on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Fasting on the day of Ashura was obligatory for Muslims until the fast in the month of Ramadan became mandatory.
It may surprise many of you to read about a Muslim version of the Passover. However, if you look at the teachings of Islam, it becomes clear that noble messengers of God such as Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jacob, Isaac, Ishmael, Jesus, and Muhammad are accorded great respect and reverence.
Within a period of a few weeks, Muslims, Jews, and Christians will have celebrated Eid Al-Adha, Hanukkah, and Christmas. This is a time to explore our commonalities and learn about our differences. You will be surprised to find how much we all have in common.
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Zafar Siddiqui
Your Voices
A Framework for Christian-Muslim Relations
Christianity and Islam are the two dominant religious groups in our world. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of Muslims worldwide will be "nearly as numerous as Christians" by 2050. The study also points to the interesting statistic that for the first time in history, the number of Christians and Muslims will be 2.9 billion and 2.8 billion respectively. In view of this, interfaith relations assume an added significance. Christians and Muslims have a duty to work toward peace and betterment of humanity through a shared framework. It is imperative that the mainstream leadership take an active role in promoting positive relations that are based on the universal principles of these two world religions.
Your Voices
Minnesota Muslim woman honored in congressional tribute
Congressman Keith Ellison honored Lori Saroya in the Congress for her leadership and advocacy efforts in Minnesota.
Your Voices
#JeSuisAhmed and #JeSuisDalia
The generalizations that we see in response to the terrorist attack in France are blurring the reality. These two hashtags give us a better understanding of the reality - an individual who paid with his life to protect others, and another individual who is being asked to answer for someone else's crime.
Your Voices
U.S. Muslims Condemn Paris Terror Attack, Defend Free Speech
U.S. Muslims Condemn Paris Terror Attack, Defend Free Speech
Your Voices
Muslims Love Jesus
Yes, it is the truth that Muslims love Jesus (peace be upon him).
