The month of Muharram holds a special place in Islam as one of the four sacred months. Among its days, the 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura, is particularly blessed. This article explores the virtues of fasting in Muharram and on Ashura, the rulings derived from authentic sources, and practical tips to make the most of this sacred time. Whether you are new to these practices or seeking to deepen your devotion, this guide will help you understand and implement them in your life.
The Virtues of Fasting in Muharram
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the excellence of fasting during the month of Muharram. In a hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), 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 fasting after the obligatory fast of Ramadan. The month is called « Allah’s month » to honor it, and fasting during it is a means of drawing closer to Allah.
Why Muharram is Special
Muharram is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran. Allah says: « Verily the transposing (of a prohibited month) is an addition to Unbelief… » (Surah At-Tawba, verse 37). These months are sanctified, and good deeds performed during them are rewarded more greatly. Fasting is among the best deeds, and when combined with the sacred nature of Muharram, its reward multiplies. The Prophet ﷺ also singled out the day of Ashura for fasting, as we will discuss.
The Reward for Fasting in Muharram
While the hadith does not specify a particular number of days, scholars encourage fasting as much as possible during this month, especially the 9th and 10th (and optionally the 11th). The general principle is that any voluntary fasting is beloved to Allah, but fasting in Muharram carries extra merit. The Prophet ﷺ also said: « Whoever fasts a day in the way of Allah, Allah will keep his face away from the Fire seventy falls. » This applies to all sincere fasting, including in Muharram.
The Day of Ashura: Its Significance and Fasting
Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, has a profound history. When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on this day in gratitude for Allah saving Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. The Prophet ﷺ said: « We have more right to Musa than you, » and he fasted that day and ordered the Muslims to fast. Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: « The Messenger of Allah ﷺ fasted on the Day of ‘Āshūrā’, and ordered Muslims to fast on it. »
The Ruling on Fasting Ashura
Fasting on Ashura is a confirmed Sunnah (mustahabb). It is not obligatory, but highly recommended. The Prophet ﷺ initially ordered fasting on Ashura, but after the obligation of Ramadan fasting, it became voluntary. However, its virtue remains great. Scholars mention that fasting Ashura expiates sins of the previous year, based on other authentic hadiths. To be safe, one should also fast the 9th or 11th to differentiate from the Jews, as the Prophet ﷺ intended.
Fasting the 9th and 10th: The Recommended Practice
‘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. » This indicates the desirability of fasting the 9th along with the 10th. Some scholars also recommend fasting the 11th to be safe. The wisdom is to distinguish Muslim practice from that of the Jews, who only fasted the 10th. Thus, the best is to fast the 9th and 10th, or the 10th and 11th, or all three.
Practical Tips for Observing Muharram and Ashura
To make the most of this blessed month, plan your fasting days in advance. Use a reliable Islamic calendar or app to determine the exact dates of Muharram and Ashura. The Al Muslim Plus app provides accurate prayer times and Hijri dates, helping you stay on track. Additionally, increase your worship through extra prayers, charity, and recitation of the Quran. The month is a golden opportunity for spiritual renewal.
Using Technology to Enhance Your Worship
With the Al Muslim Plus app, you can track your voluntary fasts, set reminders for Ashura, and access the Quran with tafsir. The app’s prayer times feature ensures you know the exact times for suhoor and iftar. You can also use the Qibla compass to find the direction of prayer wherever you are. These tools make it easier to maintain your worship routine.
Combining Fasting with Other Good Deeds
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… » Use your fasting days to also give charity, recite duas, and seek forgiveness. The duas section on Al Muslim Plus offers a collection of supplications for various occasions, including fasting. Remember that every good deed is multiplied during sacred months.
Common Questions About Fasting in Muharram
Many Muslims have questions about the specifics of fasting in Muharram. Below are answers to frequently asked questions, based on authentic sources and scholarly consensus.
Is it permissible to fast only on Ashura (10th)?
Yes, it is permissible to fast only on the 10th of Muharram. However, it is recommended to also fast the 9th or 11th to differ from the Jews, as the Prophet ﷺ intended. Fasting only on Ashura is still rewarded, but the better practice is to add another day.
Can I make up missed Ramadan fasts in Muharram?
Yes, making up missed obligatory fasts takes priority over voluntary fasts. If you have missed days from Ramadan, you should fulfill them first. You can combine the intention of making up a missed fast with the virtue of fasting in Muharram, though scholars differ on whether the reward for the specific virtue of Muharram is attained. It is safer to make up missed fasts separately and then fast voluntary days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the month of Muharram in Islam?
Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam, during which warfare is prohibited and good deeds are greatly rewarded. It marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar. The 10th day, Ashura, is especially significant due to historical events and the Prophet’s ﷺ emphasis on fasting.
Is fasting on Ashura obligatory?
No, fasting on Ashura is not obligatory. It is a highly recommended Sunnah (mustahabb). The Prophet ﷺ initially ordered fasting on Ashura, but after Ramadan was prescribed, it became voluntary. However, its reward is immense, and it expiates sins of the previous year.
Should I fast on the 9th of Muharram as well?
Yes, it is recommended to fast on the 9th of Muharram along with the 10th. The Prophet ﷺ expressed his intention to fast the 9th if he lived until the next year. This distinguishes Muslim practice from the Jews, who only fasted on the 10th.
Can I fast only on the 10th of Muharram?
Yes, you can fast only on the 10th, and you will be rewarded. However, it is better to add the 9th or 11th to follow the Prophet’s ﷺ recommendation and to differ from the Jews.
What is the reward for fasting in Muharram?
The Prophet ﷺ said: « The most excellent fast after Ramadan is Allah’s month, Muharram. » Fasting any day in Muharram brings great reward, and fasting on Ashura specifically expiates sins of the previous year.
Can I make up missed Ramadan fasts during Muharram?
Yes, making up missed Ramadan fasts is obligatory and can be done in Muharram. You will receive the reward for fulfilling the obligation, and if you intend both, you may also gain the virtue of fasting in Muharram, though scholars have different opinions on combining intentions.
Are there any specific prayers or acts of worship for Ashura?
Besides fasting, it is recommended to increase in charity, remembrance of Allah (dhikr), and supplication. Some scholars recommend performing ghusl (ritual bath) on Ashura, but this is not strongly established. The main focus should be on fasting and good deeds.
How can I determine the exact date of Ashura?
The Islamic calendar is lunar, so the date of Ashura varies each year. You can use reliable Islamic calendars or apps like Al Muslim Plus, which provides accurate Hijri dates and prayer times. The app’s Hijri calendar tool helps you convert dates and stay informed.
The month of Muharram and the day of Ashura are precious gifts from Allah, offering immense rewards for fasting and good deeds. By observing these days with sincerity and following the Prophetic guidance, we can draw closer to Allah and attain His forgiveness. Use the Al Muslim Plus app to track your fasts, access the Quran, and enhance your worship. Download the app today and make every moment of Muharram count.
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Sources vérifiées
Citations recoupées mot pour mot avec le corpus canonique (Coran / hadiths).
- Sourate At-Tawba, verset 37
- 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