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The Day of Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram, which is the first month in the Islamic calendar, and translates to ‘the tenth’. On this day, Muslims are encouraged to fast, as well as increasing other forms of worship. While it is advised to fast on this day, it is also recommended to fast on the day before it or the day after it as well. This is to differentiate from the Jewish practice of fasting only on the 10th. However, fasting on the 10th alone is perfectly allowed too.
Muharram
The month of Muharram is an especially sacred month, which holds a lot of reward. In this month, good deeds are greater than they are in other months, but sins are also worse in this month than other months. Thus, we should aim to increase good deeds and avoid sinning.
When Is the Day of Ashura?
The Day of Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram.
Why Is the Day of Ashura Important?
“When the Prophet ﷺ arrived at Madinah, the Jews were observing the fast on Ashura, and they said, ‘This is the day when Moses became victorious over Pharaoh.’ On that, the Prophet ﷺ said to his companions, ‘You (Muslims) have more right to celebrate Moses’ victory than they have, so observe the fast on this day.’”
[Sahih Al-Bukhari #4680]
“During the pre-lslamic Era of Ignorance (Jahiliyya), the Quraysh used to observe fasting on the day of Ashura, and the Prophet ﷺ himself used to observe fasting on it too. But when he came to Madinah, he (continued) fasting the day and ordered the Muslims to fast it too. When (the command of fasting) Ramadan was revealed, fasting in Ramadan became an obligation, and fasting on Ashura was made voluntary. Whoever wished to fast it did so, and whoever did not wish to fast on it, did not fast.”
[Sahih Al-Bukhari #4504]
How To Make the Most of the Day of Ashura
On the Day of Ashura, try to fast, as well as fasting on other days in Muharram. This can gain you immense reward because of the sacredness of this month.
In addition, try to increase other good deeds and actions, such as visiting neighbours, giving charity, helping in your community and reading more Quran. These will bring you closer to Allah (SWT) Insha’Allah.
The story of Musa
The Quran states that Musa (as) was sent by Allah (SWT) to the Pharaoh of Egypt and his establishments and the Israelites for guidance and warning.
Musa (AS) is mentioned more in the Qur’an than any other individual, and his life is narrated and recounted more than that of any other prophet.
After years of torture and enslavement, the Israelites fled in the middle of the night to escape slavery until they reached the Red Sea. The Israelites exclaimed to Moses that they would be overtaken by Pharaoh and his army. The Qur’an narrates Allah (SWT) commanded Moses to strike the Red Sea with his staff, instructing them not to fear being overtaken or drowning. Upon striking the sea, it divided into two parts, that allowed the Israelites to pass through. Pharaoh witnessed the sea splitting alongside his army, but as they also tried to pass through, the sea closed in on them.
Musa (AS) therefore began the tradition of fasting on the Day of Ashura as a form of gratitude to Allah (SWT). Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) told us to continue this tradition by fasting and in order to differentiate Muslims from other religious groups who fast on this day, the Prophet (SAW) encouraged us to fast on the ninth of Muharram as well as the tenth
Blessings of Ashura?
The reward of fasting the Day of Ashura is that Allah (SWT) forgives your sins from the previous year.
Prophet Muhammed (SAW) ordered [the Muslims] to fast on the Day of Ashura, and when fasting in the month of Ramadan was prescribed, it became optional for one to fast on that day [Ashura] or not.
(Sahih Bukhari)
This is a great day when Allah saved Musa (as) and his people and drowned Pharaoh and his people.
(Sahih Muslim)
When should Muslims fast for Ashura?
The fast of Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram. However, it is also encouraged for Muslims to fast a day before and after Ashura, i.e. 9th and 11th Muharram as well.