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Reminder: Fasting on the day of ‘Ashura - the 10th of Muharram (this year 27th, Dec)

Compiled by Hamzah Abdi

The 10th of Muharram is the most virtous day of the month.

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said: “Fasting the day of ‘Ashura,  I hope will be an expiation of sins for the year before.” [Saheeh Muslim]

Ibn Abbas (radhiallahu anhu) reported: “I never saw the Messenger of Allah more keen to fast on any day other than the day of Ashura and any month than the month of Ramadaan.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee]

And in general Muharram is a sacred month, meaning sins committed during these months are more grave and good deeds are greatly rewarded. Evidence of it is found in the Quran where Allah says:

“Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year) so was it ordained by Allah on the day, when he created the Heaven and the Earth; of them four are Sacred - that is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein….” [Soorah at-Tawbah (9): 36]

And also the saying of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)):

“The best of fast after Ramadaan is in the month of Allah - ‘Muharram’ and the best of prayer after the obligatory prayer is prayer during night.” [Saheeh Muslim]

Also it is better to fast the 9th and the 10th of Muharram for two reasons:

1: So as to be different from the Jews and the Christians:

When the Messenger of Allah ((sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) arrived Medina he found that the Jews observed fast on the day of ‘ashura’. They were asked the reason for the fast. They replied, “This is the day when Allah caused Moses and the children of Israel to have victory over Pharaoh, so we fast on this day as a sign of glorifying it.” Allah’s Apostle said, “We are closer to Moses than you.” Then he ordered that fasting on this day should be observed. [Bukhari and Muslim]

However we are also told by Ibn Abbas that when the sahabah were ordered to fast that day, they said: “O Messenger of Allah! It is a day revered by Jews and Christians.” Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said: “The coming year, if Allah wills, we will fast on the ninth (also).” [Saheeh Muslim]

2: So as to be on the safe side:

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said: “If I live until next year, InshaAllah, I shall also fast the 9th also because of the fear that I might miss ‘Ashura.” [Abu Dawud]

Lastly be aware of fabricated or unauthentic stories in regards to this day and its virtues. Below are afew for reference:

1: Whoever provides generously for his family on this day, Allah will be generous to him throughout the year. (weak Hadeeth)
2: The sea was divided for the children of israel on the day of ‘Ashura.(Weak Hadeeth)
3: If I live next year,I will command to fast a day before it (ie’Ashura) and a day after it.(weak hadeeth)

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Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us, verily You are the All-Hearing, the All-knowing.
And accept our repentance, truly You are the one who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.