Fasting is one of the most beloved acts of worship in Islam, bringing immense rewards and spiritual purification. Among the most virtuous fasts after Ramadan is the fast of ‘Ashura, observed on the 10th day of the sacred month of Muharram. This day carries deep historical and spiritual significance, commemorating the victory of truth over falsehood and offering believers a chance to earn great blessings. In this article, we explore the merits, history, and practical guidance of fasting on Ashura, helping you make the most of this blessed occasion.
The Virtue of Fasting in the Month of Muharram
The month of Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam, a time when deeds are especially rewarded. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of fasting during this month. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: « 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. » (Narrated by Muslim) This hadith highlights that fasting in Muharram is superior to voluntary fasts in any other month, second only to Ramadan. While the entire month is virtuous, the 10th day—Ashura—holds a special place. Scholars encourage fasting on the 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th to distinguish from other traditions and maximize reward. To help you keep track of your fasts and prayers, consider using the Prayer Tracker on Al Muslim Plus, which allows you to log your daily worship and monitor your consistency.
Why Muharram is Called the Month of Allah
In the hadith, Muharram is referred to as ‘the month of Allah,’ a title that signifies its immense honor. The attribution to Allah (swt) indicates a special sanctity. During this month, sins are more serious, and good deeds are more beloved. The Prophet ﷺ said: « There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than on these days, » referring to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah (Narrated by Bukhari & Abu Daoud). Although this hadith speaks of Dhul-Hijjah, the principle applies to all sacred times, including Muharram. Believers are encouraged to increase their worship, especially fasting, which purifies the soul and draws one closer to Allah.
The Historical Significance of Ashura
Ashura marks a pivotal event in Islamic history: the day Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh’s tyranny. When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ arrived in Medina, he found the Jews fasting on this day. He asked them why, and they replied that it was the day Allah saved Musa and his people, so they fasted in gratitude. The Prophet ﷺ said, « We have more right to Musa than you, » and he fasted on that day and commanded the Muslims to fast. 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. » (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim) This story underscores the unity of the prophetic message and the importance of gratitude to Allah for His blessings.
The Day of Ashura in the Quran and Sunnah
While the Quran does not explicitly mention Ashura, the event of Musa’s victory is a recurring theme. The Quranic verses about the parting of the sea and the defeat of Pharaoh (e.g., Surah Ash-Shu’ara) remind believers of Allah’s power and mercy. The Sunnah provides detailed guidance on fasting Ashura. The Prophet ﷺ also expressed the desire to fast the 9th as well, to differ from the People of the Book. ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: « If I were to live till next year, I would definitely fast the ninth day. » (Narrated by Muslim) This shows the recommended practice of fasting two days—either the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th.
Spiritual Rewards and Benefits of Fasting Ashura
Fasting on Ashura carries immense spiritual rewards, most notably the expiation of sins for the past year. The Prophet ﷺ said: « Fasting the day of ‘Ashura’ (is an expiation) for the sins of the preceding year. » (Narrated by Muslim) This tremendous gift encourages believers to seize this opportunity for spiritual renewal. Fasting itself is a shield from Hellfire, as the Prophet ﷺ said: « Whoever fasts one day in the cause of Allah, Allah shall put between him and Hellfire a trench as wide as the distance between the heavens and the earth. » (Narrated by At-Termedhy) and « Whoever fasts a day in the way of Allah, Allah will keep his face away from the Fire seventy falls. » (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim) These hadiths highlight that even a single day of sincere fasting can have profound effects on one’s afterlife. The spiritual benefits also include increased taqwa (God-consciousness), self-discipline, and gratitude, as 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,- » (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 183). To enhance your spiritual journey, explore the 99 Names of Allah on Al Muslim Plus, which helps you connect with Allah’s attributes through reflection and supplication.
Forgiveness of Sins: A Divine Gift
The expiation of minor sins through fasting Ashura is a mercy from Allah. It does not mean one should take sins lightly, but rather it is an incentive to repent and improve. The forgiveness is conditional upon avoiding major sins, as minor sins are wiped out by good deeds and repentance. This aligns with the Quranic principle: « For those things, that are good remove those that are evil » (Surah Hud, verse 114). Fasting Ashura is a powerful means of purification, but it should be accompanied by sincere repentance and a commitment to righteousness.
Following the Sunnah of the Prophets
Fasting on Ashura connects believers to the legacy of Prophet Musa and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It is a sunnah that has been consistently practiced by the early Muslim community. By fasting, we emulate the prophets and express gratitude for Allah’s favors. The act of fasting itself is a form of worship that Allah loves, as it is done purely for Him. The Prophet ﷺ said: « Every deed of the son of Adam is multiplied, the good deed being ten times its like, up to seven hundred times. Allah says: ‘Except fasting, for it is for Me and I will reward for it.' » (Narrated by Bukhari) This special connection between the fasting person and Allah makes Ashura a day of profound spiritual intimacy.
Practical Guidance for Fasting on Ashura
To observe Ashura correctly, it is important to know the recommended dates and intentions. The 10th of Muharram is the main day, but it is highly recommended to fast either the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th to differentiate from the Jewish practice. The Prophet ﷺ said: « If I were to live till next year, I would definitely fast the ninth day. » (Narrated by Muslim) Therefore, fasting two consecutive days is the ideal. The intention (niyyah) should be made the night before or before dawn, as with any obligatory or voluntary fast. One can also make the intention during the day if they have not eaten anything after Fajr. It is permissible to fast Ashura even if one has missed days from Ramadan, but the reward for voluntary fasts is separate. For accurate prayer times to determine suhoor and iftar, use the Prayer Times feature on Al Muslim Plus, which provides precise timings based on your location.
Combining Ashura with Other Voluntary Fasts
Muharram is a month of increased worship, and believers may also fast on other days, such as the 13th, 14th, and 15th (the white days). However, the focus on Ashura should not overshadow the regular sunnah fasts like Mondays and Thursdays. The Prophet ﷺ used to fast on those days (Narrated by Ibn Majah). One can combine intentions, for example, fasting on Thursday that falls on the 9th of Muharram, earning multiple rewards. The key is consistency and sincerity. The Prophet ﷺ advised moderation: « The most excellent fast after Ramadan is Allah’s month, Muharram », but he also warned against overburdening oneself, as in the hadith about continuous fasting (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim). Balance is essential.
Common Misconceptions About Ashura
Some people attribute special rituals or exaggerated virtues to Ashura, such as wearing kohl, taking a bath, or preparing specific foods. While these may be cultural practices, they are not part of the sunnah. The authentic practice is fasting and increasing good deeds. Another misconception is that Ashura is a day of mourning, particularly due to the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him). While his death is a tragic event, Islamic teachings encourage patience and seeking reward from Allah, not public displays of grief. The focus should remain on the prophetic practice of fasting and gratitude. To learn more about the lives of the prophets and their stories, visit the 25 Prophets of Islam page on Al Muslim Plus, which provides detailed accounts and lessons.
Distinguishing Sunnah from Innovation
The Prophet ﷺ warned against innovations in religion. Therefore, any practice attributed to Ashura without evidence from the Quran or authentic hadith should be avoided. The best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad ﷺ. By sticking to the confirmed sunnah—fasting, making dua, and doing good deeds—we ensure our worship is accepted. The Quran reminds us: « Celebrate the praises of Allah during the Appointed Days » (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 203), which includes the day of Ashura as one of the blessed days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ashura and why do Muslims fast on it?
Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims fast on this day because the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fasted and commanded others to fast, following the example of Prophet Musa (Moses) who fasted in gratitude for Allah saving the Israelites from Pharaoh.
What are the rewards of fasting on Ashura?
Fasting on Ashura expiates the sins of the preceding year (minor sins). It is also a highly virtuous act, as the Prophet ﷺ said that the best fast after Ramadan is in the month of Muharram.
Should I fast on the 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th of Muharram?
It is recommended to fast two consecutive days: either the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th. The Prophet ﷺ intended to fast the 9th as well to differ from the Jews, but he passed away before doing so. Both options are acceptable.
Can I fast Ashura if I have missed fasts from Ramadan?
Yes, you can fast Ashura as a voluntary fast even if you have missed Ramadan fasts. However, it is better to make up missed obligatory fasts first, as they take priority. The reward for Ashura is separate.
Is Ashura a day of mourning or celebration?
In Islam, Ashura is not a day of mourning. While it marks the martyrdom of Imam Husayn, the sunnah is to fast and do good deeds, not to engage in public grief. It is a day of gratitude and worship.
What are the special practices for Ashura according to the Quran and Sunnah?
The only confirmed practice is fasting. Some scholars also recommend increasing charity, making dua, and reciting Quran. There are no special prayers or rituals exclusive to this day.
Does fasting on Ashura require a specific intention?
Yes, like all fasts, you should make the intention (niyyah) the night before or before dawn. For voluntary fasts, you can also make the intention during the day if you haven’t eaten after Fajr.
How can I ensure I observe Ashura correctly?
Check the Islamic date for Muharram 9 and 10 using a reliable Hijri calendar. Fast on the appropriate days with a sincere intention. Avoid innovations and focus on worship, gratitude, and good deeds. Use tools like the Hijri calendar on Al Muslim Plus to stay updated.
Fasting on Ashura is a blessed sunnah that brings immense spiritual rewards, including the forgiveness of past sins and a deeper connection with Allah. By observing this day with sincerity, we follow the footsteps of the prophets and express gratitude for Allah’s mercy. Let us not miss this golden opportunity to purify our souls and draw closer to our Creator. May Allah accept our fasts and good deeds. To make the most of this sacred time, download the Al Muslim Plus app for accurate prayer times, a Hijri calendar, and tools to track your worship. Start your journey of spiritual growth today!
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Sources vérifiées
Citations recoupées mot pour mot avec le corpus canonique (Coran / hadiths).
- Sourate Al-Baqara, verset 183
- Sourate Al-Baqara, verset 203
- Sourate Hud, verset 114
- Hadith n°10121 (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°6399 (Narrated by At-Termedhy) — grade : Good hadith
- Hadith n°4436 (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°6255 (Narrated by Bukhari & Abu Daoud, the wording for the latter) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°6183 (Narrated by Ibn Majah – Narrated by At-Termedhy – An-Nasaa’i – Narrated by Ahmad) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°11261 (Narrated by Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°6017 (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°6217 (Narrated by Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith