The month of Muharram holds a special place in the Islamic calendar. It is one of the four sacred months, and within it lies a day of immense virtue: Ashura, the 10th of Muharram. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged fasting during this month, especially on Ashura, and taught us its spiritual rewards. This article explores the merits of fasting in Muharram, the significance of Ashura, and practical guidance on how to observe these blessed fasts.
The Virtues of Fasting in the Month of Muharram
Muharram is not only the first month of the Islamic year but also a month of great blessing. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized its excellence in a well-known hadith: « The most excellent fast after Ramadan is Allah’s month, Muharram, and the most excellent prayer after what is prescribed is prayer during the night. » This hadith clearly shows that voluntary fasting in Muharram is the best of all voluntary fasts, second only to the obligatory fasts of Ramadan. The phrase « Allah’s month » highlights the sacredness of this month, as it is attributed to Allah Himself.
Fasting in Muharram is a means of drawing closer to Allah, seeking His forgiveness, and earning immense rewards. The Prophet ﷺ also taught that fasting is a shield against sin and the Fire. In a sacred hadith, Allah says: « All the deeds of the son of Adam are for himself except for fasting, as it is, indeed, for Me, and I give reward for it. Fasting is a shield. » This unique reward underscores the special status of fasting in the sight of Allah.
To make the most of this month, Muslims can plan to fast on the 9th, 10th, and 11th of Muharram, or as many days as they are able. Consistency in good deeds is beloved to Allah. You can use the Hijri calendar on Al Muslim Plus to keep track of Islamic dates and never miss these blessed days.
The Day of Ashura: Its Significance and Fasting
Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, is a day of great historical and spiritual importance. The Prophet ﷺ fasted on this day and commanded the Muslims to fast as well. Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: « The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) fasted on the Day of ‘Āshūrā’, and ordered Muslims to fast on it. » This practice was established after the Prophet ﷺ learned that the Jews of Medina fasted on Ashura to commemorate the rescue of Prophet Musa (Moses) (peace be upon him) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. The Prophet ﷺ said that Muslims have more right to Musa, so he fasted and instructed others to do so.
Fasting on Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year, as reported in authentic hadiths (though not cited here due to source restrictions). It is a day of gratitude, reflection, and seeking Allah’s mercy. The Prophet ﷺ also expressed his intention to fast on the 9th of Muharram along with the 10th, to differ from the Jewish practice. ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: « If I were to live till next year, I would definitely fast the ninth day. » Therefore, it is recommended to fast on both the 9th and 10th (or 10th and 11th) to be safe and to follow the Sunnah.
On Ashura, Muslims are encouraged to increase in good deeds, charity, and remembrance of Allah. While fasting, one should also engage in supplication and recitation of the Quran. The Al Muslim Plus app provides a collection of supplications (duas) that can be recited on this blessed day.
How to Observe Fasting in Muharram and Ashura
Observing voluntary fasts during Muharram is simple and flexible. One can fast on the 9th and 10th, or 10th and 11th, or even all three days (9th, 10th, 11th). The minimum recommended is the day of Ashura itself, but it is better to add a day before or after to distinguish from the Jews. Fasting on the 10th alone is permissible but less preferred.
The intention for a voluntary fast can be made any time before midday (Dhuhr) as long as one has not eaten or drunk anything. It is a beautiful act of worship that can be done without much preparation. The Prophet ﷺ said: « Whoever fasts a day in the way of Allah, Allah will keep his face away from the Fire seventy falls. » This reward is a great motivation.
To help maintain your spiritual routine, you can use the prayer tracker on Al Muslim Plus to log your daily prayers and fasts. The app also provides accurate prayer times to help you plan your suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (breaking of the fast). Remember that the fast begins at dawn (Fajr) and ends at sunset (Maghrib).
Practical Tips for Fasting in Muharram
Here are some practical tips to make your fasts easier and more rewarding: 1) Make a sincere intention (niyyah) the night before or before midday. 2) Eat a light suhoor (pre-dawn meal) to sustain energy. 3) Avoid overeating at iftar; focus on dates and water as per Sunnah. 4) Increase in dhikr, dua, and Quran recitation. 5) Give charity on Ashura if possible. 6) Use the Al Muslim Plus Tasbeeh counter to keep track of your glorifications of Allah.
The Spiritual Benefits of Fasting in Islam
Fasting is a fundamental act of worship that brings numerous spiritual benefits. Allah says in the Quran: « O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,- » This verse highlights that the primary purpose of fasting is to attain taqwa (God-consciousness and self-restraint). By abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations during the day, a Muslim learns to control their desires and prioritize obedience to Allah.
Fasting also cultivates patience, gratitude, and empathy for the less fortunate. The Prophet ﷺ said: « Fasting is a shield. When it is the day when any of you is fasting, let him not engage in obscenity, and let him not speak in a loud voice. If anyone insults him or fights with him, let him say: Verily, I am a fasting person. » This teaches us to maintain good character even when provoked.
Moreover, fasting is a means of expiation for sins. The Quran mentions fasting as a form of compensation for certain acts (e.g., breaking an oath or unintentional killing) such as in: « And if any has not (the wherewithal), he should fast for two months consecutively… » This shows the purifying power of fasting. For those who are unable to fast due to illness or travel, the Quran provides alternatives: « (Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (Should be made up) from days later… ».
To calculate any obligatory fasts you may need to make up, or to determine fidyah (compensation) for missed fasts, you can use the Fidyah/Kaffarah calculator on Al Muslim Plus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Ashura in Islam?
Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, is a day when Allah saved Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fasted on this day and encouraged Muslims to fast as well, as it expiates sins of the previous year.
How many days should I fast in Muharram?
It is recommended to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram (or 10th and 11th) to follow the Sunnah. Fasting on just the 10th is also permissible, but adding a day is better to distinguish from the Jewish practice.
Is fasting on Ashura obligatory?
No, fasting on Ashura is not obligatory; it is a highly recommended Sunnah (voluntary) fast. However, it was initially obligatory before the fasting of Ramadan was prescribed, but later became voluntary.
What is the reward for fasting on Ashura?
Fasting on Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year (as reported in authentic hadiths). It is also one of the best voluntary fasts after Ramadan, as Muharram is the best month for fasting.
Can I fast on the 10th of Muharram alone?
Yes, it is permissible to fast on the 10th alone, but it is better to also fast on the 9th or 11th to be safe and to follow the Prophet’s ﷺ intention to differ from the People of the Book.
What should I do on Ashura besides fasting?
Increase in good deeds such as charity, reciting Quran, making dua, and remembering Allah. It is also a day of gratitude for Allah’s blessings.
Is fasting in Muharram better than fasting in other months?
Yes, the Prophet ﷺ said that the best fast after Ramadan is in Allah’s month, Muharram. So voluntary fasts in this month are more virtuous than in other months.
How do I know the exact dates of Muharram?
You can use the Islamic (Hijri) calendar to find the dates. Al Muslim Plus provides a Hijri calendar that converts between Gregorian and Hijri dates and shows important Islamic events.
Fasting in Muharram, especially on Ashura, is a beautiful way to draw closer to Allah, earn immense rewards, and follow the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. These fasts are a means of expiation, spiritual purification, and gratitude. To make the most of these blessed days, plan your fasts, track your prayers and good deeds, and stay connected to your faith. Download the Al Muslim Plus app today and start your journey of spiritual growth.
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Sources vérifiées
Citations recoupées mot pour mot avec le corpus canonique (Coran / hadiths).
- Sourate Al-Baqara, verset 184
- Sourate Al-Baqara, verset 183
- Sourate Al-Mujaadila, verset 4
- Hadith n°10121 (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°4436 (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°11261 (Narrated by Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°3546 (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°6217 (Narrated by Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith