The month of Muharram holds a special place in the Islamic calendar as one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran. Within this blessed month lies the Day of Ashura, the 10th day, which carries immense spiritual significance and rewards for fasting. This article explores the virtues of fasting on Ashura and the deeper spiritual lessons we can learn from the sacred month of Muharram, drawing from authentic Islamic sources.
The Sacred Status of Muharram in the Quran and Sunnah
Allah Almighty says in the Quran: « The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year)- so ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are sacred: that is the straight usage. So wrong not yourselves therein… » (Surah At-Tawba, verse 36). This verse establishes that four months are sacred, and scholars unanimously agree that Muharram is one of them, along with Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Rajab. The sanctity of these months means that good deeds are multiplied and sins are more serious. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the virtue of fasting during 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. » (Narrated by Muslim). This hadith highlights that voluntary fasting in Muharram is the best after the obligatory fast of Ramadan, surpassing even the fasts of Sha’ban and other months. The phrase « Allah’s month » indicates the special honor Allah has given to this month.
Why Muharram is Called the Month of Allah
The Prophet ﷺ referred to Muharram as « Allah’s month » to emphasize its sacredness and to encourage believers to increase their worship, especially fasting. Unlike other months that are sometimes named after pre-Islamic practices, Muharram is directly attributed to Allah, signifying that it is a month of spiritual reflection and devotion. It is a time to repent, seek forgiveness, and draw closer to Allah through acts of obedience.
The Virtues of Fasting on Ashura
The Day of Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, has a remarkable history. It is the day when Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh, as is well-known in Islamic tradition. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fasted on this day and commanded the Muslims to do the same. 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). Fasting on Ashura carries an enormous reward. The Prophet ﷺ said: « Fasting the day of ‘Āshūrā’, I hope that Allah will expiate thereby the sins of the previous year. » (Narrated by Muslim). This expiation covers minor sins, provided one avoids major sins. It is a tremendous opportunity for spiritual purification and a fresh start.
The Recommended Practice: Fasting on the 9th and 10th
To distinguish the Islamic practice from that of the Jews, the Prophet ﷺ intended to fast on the 9th as well. ‘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). Scholars recommend fasting on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram, or at least the 10th and 11th, to be safe and to gain the maximum reward. This practice follows the sunnah and ensures we do not resemble the People of the Book.
Spiritual Lessons from Muharram: Renewing Faith and Self-Discipline
The month of Muharram teaches us several profound spiritual lessons. First, it reminds us of the importance of sacred times and how Allah honors certain periods. This should motivate us to increase our worship and avoid sins. Second, fasting during Muharram, especially on Ashura, is an exercise in self-restraint 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-Baqara, verse 183). Fasting trains the soul to control desires and to empathize with the less fortunate. Third, the story of Musa and the salvation of the believers on Ashura reminds us that Allah always helps those who trust in Him, even when circumstances seem dire. This strengthens our tawakkul (reliance on Allah).
The Connection Between Fasting and Gratitude
Fasting is a means of expressing gratitude to Allah for His countless blessings. When we fast on Ashura, we thank Allah for saving Musa and his people, and we also thank Him for guiding us to Islam. Gratitude is a key to increase in blessings, as Allah promises in the Quran. By fasting, we physically demonstrate our thankfulness, which purifies our hearts and brings us closer to our Creator.
Using Muharram as a Time for Reflection and Repentance
The sacred month of Muharram is an ideal time to reflect on our lives, repent from sins, and set spiritual goals for the year. Just as the new year (Hijri) begins with Muharram, it is a chance to start afresh. We can use the Islamic AI tool on Al Muslim Plus to ask questions about repentance and self-improvement, and we can read the Quran and hadiths to gain guidance. The Duas collection also provides beautiful supplications for forgiveness and mercy.
How to Make the Most of Muharram and Ashura
To maximize the spiritual benefits of this sacred month, here are some practical steps: 1) Fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, or at least the 10th. 2) Increase voluntary prayers, charity, and recitation of the Quran. 3) Make sincere dua, especially on the day of Ashura. 4) Avoid sins and arguments, as the month is sacred. 5) Learn about the history and significance of Ashura to deepen your appreciation. You can also use the Quran feature on Al Muslim Plus to read and reflect on verses about fasting and sacred months. Additionally, the Prayer Times tool helps you stay consistent with your salah, which is the foundation of all worship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ashura in Islam?
Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is a day of fasting and remembrance, commemorating the salvation of Prophet Musa and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh.
Why do Muslims fast on Ashura?
Muslims fast on Ashura because the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fasted on this day and commanded Muslims to do so. Fasting on Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year (minor sins).
Should I fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram?
Yes, it is recommended to fast on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram to distinguish from the Jews and to follow the Prophet’s intention. If you cannot fast both, fasting on the 10th alone is still highly rewarded.
Is fasting on Ashura obligatory?
No, fasting on Ashura is not obligatory; it is a highly recommended Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged it but did not make it compulsory.
What are the four sacred months in Islam?
The four sacred months are Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. During these months, good deeds are more rewarded and sins are more serious.
Can I fast only on the 10th of Muharram?
Yes, you can fast only on the 10th, but it is better to also fast on the 9th or 11th to be safe and to follow the sunnah of not 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 Muharram brings great rewards, and fasting on Ashura specifically expiates the sins of the previous year.
How can I learn more about Muharram and Ashura?
You can use the Al Muslim Plus app to access the Quran, hadiths, and duas related to fasting and sacred months. The app also provides prayer times and a Qibla compass to help you stay connected to your worship.
Muharram is a month of immense blessings, and the Day of Ashura is a golden opportunity for spiritual renewal. By fasting and increasing our worship, we draw closer to Allah and gain forgiveness for our shortcomings. Let us make the most of this sacred time by implementing the sunnah and reflecting on the lessons of patience, gratitude, and reliance on Allah. May Allah accept our deeds and grant us the strength to worship Him sincerely. To deepen your understanding and practice, explore the tools and resources available on Al Muslim Plus, such as the Quran, hadiths, and prayer times. Download the app today and embark on a journey of faith and self-improvement.
Download Al Muslim Plus for more
Sources vérifiées
Citations recoupées mot pour mot avec le corpus canonique (Coran / hadiths).
- Sourate Al-Baqara, verset 183
- Sourate At-Tawba, verset 36
- Hadith n°10121 (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°11261 (Narrated by Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°6217 (Narrated by Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith