The Virtue of Fasting on 'Āshūrā: A Prophetic Tradition
THE FAST OF 'ĀSHŪRĀALLĀH has given us a calendar with periods of time to increase our worship, reflect and renew our faith. Amidst our fast-paced lives, we need these times as a re-energizer, and a reminder to gain or carry on with momentum to strive for the Hereafter. Ramadān has passed, so have the 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah, as well as the two Eids; now we have 'Āshūrā, which is the 10th day of Muharram.
Ibn ‘Abbās (may ALLĀH be pleased with them) said: The Prophet (ﷺ) came to Madīnah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Āshūrā. He said, “What is this?” They said, “This is a good day, this is the day when ALLĀH saved the Children of Israel from their enemy and Mūsā (peace be upon him) fasted on this day.” He said, “We are closer to Mūsā than you.” So he fasted on this day and told the people to fast.” {Al-Bukhārī #1865}
So, the Prophet (ﷺ) fasted on the Day of 'Āshūrā and he ordered the people fast be performed on it. When he was asked about the virtue of fasting on it, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Fasting the day of ‘Ashoora I hope ALLĀH will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.” {Muslim #1162}
However, after that, he (ﷺ) commanded that the Muslims should be different from the Jews by fasting the tenth and the day before it, which is the ninth or the day after it, which is the eleventh.
Ibn 'Abbās (may ALLĀH be pleased with them) quoted the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying, “If I live next year, I shall also fast on the 9th day.” {Musnad Aḥmad #1971}
Imam Ahmad (may ALLĀH have mercy on him) said: "Whoever wants to fast 'Āshūrā should fast on the ninth and the tenth, unless there is some uncertainty about the months, in which case he should fast for three days. Ibn Sireen said that." {Al-Mughni, 4/441}
Ibn Hajar (may ALLĀH have mercy on him)said: “The fast of Āshūrā has three levels: the lowest is to fast one day, the next is to fast the ninth day along with it, and the next is to fast the ninth, tenth, and eleventh days. ALLĀH knows best.” {Fath al-Bari, 1896}
May ALLĀH make it easy for us to fulfill this Prophetic tradition.
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