Question
Kindly explain the following words that appear in a Hadith related to ‘Aashura:
فنحن أحق وأولى بموسى منكم
Answer
This phrase was Nabi’s (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) response after hearing the Jews’ reasoning for fasting on ‘Aashura (i.e the 10th of Muharram).
(Refer: Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 2004 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1130)
Literally it means: [if that’s the case,] then we [i.e the Muslims] are more deserving [of following] and closer to Musa (‘alayhis salam) than you all [i.e the Jews].”
Mulla ‘Ali Qari has explained that as Muslims, we conform to the core principles of Musa’s (‘alayhis salam) din and testify to the sanctity of the Tawrah [along with all of its contents] to a much higher degree than the Jews themselves. They, on the other hand, do not express the same type of reverence as they have altered, changed, and falsely interpolated many aspects of both the Tawrah and their religion.
Since the Jews decided to fast on the day of ‘Ashura, because Musa (‘alayhis salam) observed it’s fast, then we as Muslims, having a greater connection to Musa (‘alayhis salam) through both our creed and conduct, are honor bound to a higher degree and ought to fast as well.
(Mirqat, Hadith: 2067; Also see: Irshadus Sari, Hadith: 2004)
And Allah Ta’ala knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Farhan Shariff
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar