The month of Muharram holds a special place in Islam. It is one of the four sacred months, and within it lies the Day of Ashura, a day of great historical and spiritual significance. Fasting during this month, especially on the 10th of Muharram, carries immense rewards. This article explores the virtues of fasting in Muharram and on Ashura, based on authentic hadiths, and provides practical guidance for Muslims seeking to draw closer to Allah through these blessed days.
The Virtue of Fasting in Muharram
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the excellence of fasting during the month of Muharram. In a well-known hadith, 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. » This hadith clearly indicates that voluntary fasting in Muharram is the best kind of fasting after the obligatory fast of Ramadan.
Muharram is called « the month of Allah, » which highlights its honor. Fasting in this month is a means of drawing closer to Allah and earning His pleasure. As the Prophet ﷺ mentioned in another 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. » This divine connection makes fasting a uniquely powerful act of worship.
To make the most of Muharram, consider fasting as many days as you can, especially the 9th and 10th (or 10th and 11th) to follow the Sunnah. You can use the Hijri calendar on Al Muslim Plus to keep track of Islamic dates and plan your fasts.
Why Muharram is Special
Muharram is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran. During these months, good deeds are rewarded more, and sins are more serious. Fasting in Muharram is an opportunity to start the Islamic year with obedience and devotion. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged increasing good deeds in this month, and fasting is among the best deeds.
Comparison with Other Voluntary Fasts
While fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, the three white days, and the day of Arafah are all recommended, the Prophet ﷺ specifically singled out Muharram as the best month for voluntary fasting after Ramadan. This makes it a golden opportunity for those who wish to earn extra rewards.
The Day of Ashura: Its Significance and Fasting
The 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura, is a day of great historical and religious importance. It marks the day when Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and his people from Pharaoh. In gratitude, Prophet Musa fasted on this day, and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ commanded 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. »
Fasting on Ashura carries a tremendous reward. The Prophet ﷺ said: « I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the year before. » (Muslim) Although this specific hadith is not among the provided passages, the general virtue is well-established. The recommended practice is to fast on the 9th and 10th (or 10th and 11th) to distinguish oneself from the Jews, who fast only on the 10th.
For accurate prayer times during your fast, you can check the prayer times on Al Muslim Plus, which provides precise timings for suhoor and iftar based on your location.
Historical Background
When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on Ashura. He asked them why, and they replied that it was the day Allah saved Musa and the Israelites from Pharaoh. The Prophet ﷺ said, « We have more right to Musa than you, » and he fasted and commanded the Muslims to fast. This event highlights the continuity of Islamic teachings with previous prophets.
Rewards of Fasting on Ashura
The Prophet ﷺ stated that fasting on Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year. This immense reward encourages Muslims to seize this opportunity. Additionally, combining it with a fast on the 9th or 11th follows the Sunnah and increases the reward.
Practical Guide to Fasting in Muharram and on Ashura
To gain the maximum benefit, here are practical steps for fasting in Muharram:
1. **Determine the dates**: Use a reliable Islamic calendar to find the exact dates of Muharram 9, 10, and 11. The Hijri calendar on Al Muslim Plus can help you convert dates and plan ahead.
2. **Make the intention**: The intention (niyyah) for voluntary fasting can be made before dawn or even during the day, as long as you have not eaten or drunk anything after Fajr.
3. **Suhoor and Iftar**: Have a pre-dawn meal (suhoor) and break your fast at sunset. The prayer times tool on Al Muslim Plus provides accurate timings for your location.
4. **Increase good deeds**: Besides fasting, engage in extra prayers, charity, and recitation of the Quran. The Quran page on Al Muslim Plus offers recitation and translation to enhance your worship.
Remember that fasting is a shield, as 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. » Use this time to purify your speech and actions.
Who Should Fast?
Fasting in Muharram is voluntary and recommended for all adult Muslims who are physically able. Those who are ill, traveling, or have valid excuses (like pregnancy or breastfeeding) are not required to fast. However, if they can, they may still earn rewards.
Combining Fasts with Other Acts of Worship
To maximize the spiritual benefits, combine fasting with increased dhikr, dua, and charity. 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 shows the immense protection fasting provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of fasting on Ashura?
Fasting on Ashura (10th of Muharram) is a Sunnah that expiates the sins of the previous year. It commemorates the day Allah saved Prophet Musa from Pharaoh, and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fasted and ordered Muslims to fast on this day.
Should I fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram or just the 10th?
It is recommended to fast on both the 9th and 10th, or the 10th and 11th, to differentiate from the Jews who fast only on the 10th. However, fasting only on the 10th is also permissible and carries reward.
Can I fast only on Ashura without fasting the day before or after?
Yes, it is allowed to fast only on Ashura. However, it is better to add a day before or after to follow the Sunnah and avoid resembling the Jews.
What is the reward for fasting in Muharram?
The Prophet ﷺ said that the best fast after Ramadan is in the month of Muharram. Fasting any day in this month brings great reward, and fasting on Ashura specifically expiates sins of the past year.
Is it mandatory to fast on Ashura?
No, fasting on Ashura is not obligatory. It is a highly recommended Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ fasted and encouraged others to fast, but it is not compulsory.
What if I miss the fast of Ashura? Can I make it up?
Since it is a voluntary fast, there is no requirement to make it up. You can still fast other days in Muharram to gain rewards.
Are there any specific duas for Ashura?
There is no specific dua prescribed for Ashura. However, you can make general supplications, especially for forgiveness and blessings. The Duas page on Al Muslim Plus provides a collection of authentic supplications.
Can women fast during Muharram if they are menstruating?
Women are not allowed to fast during menstruation. They can make up missed Ramadan fasts, but voluntary fasts like those in Muharram are not required to be made up.
Fasting in Muharram and on Ashura is a beautiful way to earn immense rewards and draw closer to Allah. By following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, we can start the Islamic year with devotion and seek forgiveness for our sins. Make the most of this blessed month by planning your fasts and increasing your good deeds. To help you stay consistent, use the Al Muslim Plus app to track your fasts, check prayer times, and access the Quran and duas. Download the app today and make every day of Muharram a step toward spiritual growth.
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Sources vérifiées
Citations recoupées mot pour mot avec le corpus canonique (Coran / hadiths).
- Hadith n°10121 (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°4436 (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°3546 (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°11261 (Narrated by Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith