Ibn Abbas (RA) said, “I never saw Allah’s Messenger (SAW) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of Ashura, and this month, meaning Ramadan” (Bukhari).
The rewards of fasting are innumerable, and our Prophet (SAW) enthusiastically performed all the fasts during the Months of Ramadan and Muharram and urged others to do so.
Ramadan is more famous, as we all know very well, but as for Muharram, mainly the ninth, tenth, and eleventh fasts, those are rare knowledge among many people.
Why Fast on Ashura?
Fasting is recommended on Ashura’s day. This article will enumerate the benefits of fasting in the month of Muharram, particularly on Ashura’s day.
Muharram Fasting
Fasting during Ashura is optional, unlike fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. But the Messenger of Allah (SAW) has said, “The best of fasting after Ramadan is fasting Allah’s month of Muharram” (Muslim).
The Prophet (SAW) narrates that fasting has been recommended on the 9th and 10th of Muharram (or the 10th and 11th). He fasted on the 10th of Muharram alone on the day of Ashura and had planned to fast on the 9th of the upcoming year, but he died before that.
The Significance of Ashura
Muharram is the first month in the Islamic calendar, and the 10th day is known as Ashura. It commemorates several vital events in Islam’s history and is hence observed as a day of commemoration. As with many Islamic practices, many Muslims abstain from eating on this day; however, the reason most of them do this remains somewhat unclear.
The day of Ashura is celebrated with remembering the sacrifice of the Prophet Musa (AS) when he liberated the enslaved people in Egypt from the vile Pharaoh. Allah (SWT) splits the Red Sea to enable Musa (AS) and Bani Israel to cross to liberty. Every year on this day, Musa (AS) used to fast to express his gratitude to Allah (SWT) for this great release.
Al-Tirmidhi also narrates from Ibn Abbas (RA) that he used to fast on two days to show reverence and to commemorate one’s status as closer to Musa (AS) rather than others.
Commemorating Imam Hussain (a)
Ashura also signifies the death of Imam Hussain (RA), who did not budge from his ethical principles against Yazid. Sayyid al-Shuhada Imam Hussain (RA) was martyred in the area known as Karbala, and he fought against 30,000 dominating soldiers to protect his nation. He struggled heroically for his pure friends and kith and kin, struggled righteously to maintain human dignity, and died honorably while fighting for an acceptable cause he believed in.
The Story of Prophet Nuh (as)
Further, the day of Tashri’ al-Muzul is the 10th of Muharram, which is the day when the Nuh (AS) ark came to rest on ‘Mount Judiyyah.’ The Prophet Nuh (AS) tried to divert their attention from worshiping idols and being sinners; however, they did not obey him. Hence, after the denial, Allah (SWT) commanded Nuh (AS) and ordered him to build an ark and gather all pairs of every animal, his family, and the faithful followers. Nuh (AS) used to fast on the 10th of Muharram to appreciate Allah’s (SWT) favors.
The Virtues of Muharram Fasting
Historically, fasting on this day means spiritual redemption and a chance to eliminate minor sins committed during the year. It was narrated from the Prophet (SAW), who said: “Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope that Allah will accept it as an expiation for (the sins committed in) the previous year” (Muslim).
Nevertheless, this fasting will not make up for intentionally missing fasts in Ramadan, not praying daily, or engaging in significant sins.
No saint would want to lose the golden chance to repent during the Muharram season. As you thus honor and remember your fast with your Lord, Allah (SWT), in all His mercy, will surely forgive you your shortcomings, and you will enter the New Year with a fresh record.
In addition to fasting, you can honor the actions of Imam Hussain (RA) by standing against tyranny and injustice and by engaging in charitable acts such as building a well in the name of the Prophet (SAW), Fatimah (RA), Ali (RA), Imam Hasan (RA), or Imam Hussain (RA).
