The Day of ‘Āshūrā’ is the 10th day of the month of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar. It is a blessed and significant day in Islam. When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he saw the Jews fasting on this day. They explained that it was the day when Allah saved Prophet Mūsā عليه السلام and the Children of Israel from Fir‘aun (Pharaoh). Out of gratitude, Prophet Mūsā fasted on that day. The Prophet ﷺ then said:  “We have more right to Musa than them.”   So the Prophet ﷺ fasted on the Day of ‘Āshūrā’ and encouraged the Muslims to fast as well. (Bukhari and Muslim)

While the initial focus of the Asyura campaign is to distribute 300 care packs to vulnerable children under MTFA's care and outreach networks, all excess funds are channelled directly to Darul Ihsan Orphanages. This provides a seamless way for donors to support both community outreach and residential orphan care with a single gift.

While the start of the school year in January gets the most attention, June is when low-income families face a silent financial hurdle. Halfway through the academic year, initial school supplies have run out and stationery is depleted. This care pack acts as a vital mid-year intervention to keep children equipped and motivated.

No, contributions made directly to the Asyura Bag of Joy campaign are non-tax deductible. 100% of these specific funds go directly toward sourcing materials, packing, and distributing the care packs, with any surplus directly aiding Darul Ihsan Orphanages.

Muslims are encouraged to fast on the Day of ‘Āshūrā’ following the practice and encouragement of the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ said regarding the fast of ‘Āshūrā’: “Fasting the day of ‘Āshūrā’, I hope from Allah that it will expiate the sins of the previous year.” (Muslim) The Prophet ﷺ also intended to fast an additional day alongside ‘Āshūrā’ to distinguish the Muslim practice from others. Hence, it is recommended to fast:  the 9th and 10th of Muharram, or  the 10th and 11th of Muharram. This day reminds Muslims of Allah’s help, mercy, and victory given to the believers.

The care packs are hand-delivered to vulnerable children currently supported by MTFA's community programmes, as well as families in need within our local Singaporean assistance networks.