Day of Ashura: Significance, History, and Fasting Traditions

Q: What to Do on the Day of Ashura?

Here are some recommended actions or Sunnah for Ashura: Fasting: Observe fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram (the day of Ashura), or on the 10th and 11th of Muharram. Fasting is a means to expiate sins.Quran Reading: If fasting isn't possible, reading the Quran or engaging in Dhikr can also bring blessings during Muharram.

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Ashura is derived from the Arabic word ‘Ashara,’ meaning ten.

Thus, Ashura refers to the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Hijri calendar. The Day of Ashura is also known as ‘Yawm al-Ashura.’

Let’s dive deep into the significance, history and fasting on the day of Ashura:

Significance of the Day of Ashura

Ashura occurs in the first month of Muharram, the start of the new Islamic year.

According to hadith, Muharram is revered as the 'Month of Allah', holding sacred significance in Islam.

When Ashura arrives, remember it is a day of trials and relief, a time when even the Prophets (AS) and their families face tests.

On this day, Muslims should

Seek closeness to Allah
Earnestly pray for relief from our hardships
Express gratitude for the blessings and comfort bestowed by Allah Almighty

History of the Day of Ashura

Following are the famous incidents that happened on the day of Ashura:

Ease for the Prophet Musa AS

On the sacred day of Ashura, Allah granted Prophet Musa (AS) and the people of Israel freedom from the oppression of Pharaoh.

Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala states in the Quran:

“Then We inspired Musa, ‘Strike with your staff the red sea’, and it parted, and each portion was like a great towering mountain. And We advanced there to the pursuers. And We saved Musa and those with him, all together. Then We drowned the others.”

[Surah Ash-Shuara, 26: 63-66]

In the Hadith, it is also mentioned:

"On this day of Ashura, Allah saved Musa (AS) and his people and drowned Pharaoh and his people.”

[Sahih Muslim]

Ease for the Prophet Nuh AS

Prophet Nuh (AS) spent nearly 950 years inviting people to worship Allah, but only a few believed in him. The disbelievers insulted Prophet Nuh (AS) and his followers in various ways. In response, Allah SWT commanded Prophet Nuh (AS) to construct an Ark for the believers.

Allah then sent a devastating flood upon the earth, sparing only those aboard the Ark. Eventually, the floodwaters receded, and the Ark came to rest on Mount Judi. On the day of Ashura, Nuh (AS) and his companions were delivered from this peril by Allah’s mercy.

Imam Ahmad (RA) recorded,

“The Ark of Nuh (AS) came to rest on Mount Judi on this day (Ashura).”

[Tafsir Ibn Kathir]

The Battle of Karbala

Hussain Ibn Ali (RA) was the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), born to Fatima (RA) and Ali (RA). The Messenger of Allah cherished Hussain (RA) and his elder brother Hasan (RA) deeply.

The Prophet (PBUH) said,

“Whoever loves me and these two [Hasan (RA) and Hussain (RA)], along with their parents, will be in my company on the Day of Judgement.”

[Jami at-Tirmidhi]

Fasting on the Day of Ashura

Fasting on the Day of Ashura marks a deep historical and spiritual significance.

Let's explore its origins, its current status in Islamic practice, and the recommended days to observe this fast.

Fasting on the Day of Ashura Before Islam

The significance of the day of Ashura dates back to pre-Islamic times.

The observance of Ashura by pre-Islamic Arabs indicates that this practice was a remnant of Prophet Ibrahim's teachings. This fasting of Ashura practice was akin to the rituals of Hajj.

The Arabs of the Quraysh tribe used to fast on this day before the advent of Islam.

Hazrat Aisha (RA) tells us:

“During the pre-lslamic Era of Ignorance (Jahiliyya), the Quraysh used to observe fasting on the day of Ashura, and the Prophet (PBUH) 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]

Ashura Fasting: Is it Fard?

No, fasting on Ashura is not fard (compulsory); it is Nafl (voluntary). However, before fasting during Ramadan was mandated, fasting on the day of Ashura was necessary for Muslims. Now, while it remains voluntary, fasting on Ashura carries significant rewards.

Reward of Fasting on the Day of Ashura

The Day of Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, holds significant merit as fasting on this day removes the sins of the previous year. In a Hadith narrated by Imam Muslim, our beloved Prophet (PBUH) prayed for Allah to forgive the sins committed in the past year for those who fast on Ashura:

“Fasting on the Day of Ashura, I hope will expiate the sins of the previous year.”

(Sahih Muslim)

The Prophet’s use of the phrase “I hope” emphasizes the sincerity and devotion with which fasting should be observed.

Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prioritized fasting on Ashura over other days, except for Ramadan.

He said:

“I have never seen Rasulullah s.a.w so eager to fast like he is for Ashura and prioritising it, besides Ramadan.”

(Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Fasting on the 9th and 11th Along with the 10th of Muharram

The fast of Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram. It is encouraged for Muslims to also fast a day before and after Ashura, i.e., the 9th and 11th of Muharram.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

"Fast on the day before and the day after Ashura."

(Musnad Ahmad)

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim mentioned three levels of fasting on Ashura, ranked from most complete to least:

1. Fasting for three consecutive days on the 9th, 10th, and 11th of Muharram
2. Fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram
3. Fasting on the 10th of Muharram only

However, there is no obligation. You may also fast on the 10th and 11th of Muharram. Choose what is most convenient and feasible for you.

Other significant days for fasting include the white days. These are the 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Hijri month when the moon is at its fullest and most luminous.

In conclusion, the Day of Ashura holds profound significance in Islamic history and tradition. It marks the victory of Prophet Musa (AS) over Pharaoh, the salvation of Prophet Nuh (AS) from the flood, and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA).

Fasting on Ashura is a voluntary act highly recommended for its spiritual benefits. It includes the expiation of sins and the following of Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) devotion. As Muslims commemorate this day through fasting and reflection, it serves as a reminder of faith, and perseverance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should We Fast on the Day of Ashura?

Fasting on the day of Ashura is highly recommended (Mustahabb) in Islam but not obligatory. It carries great spiritual rewards, including the atonement of sins from the previous year.

When is the Day of Ashura?

The day of Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.

Why Do We Fast on the Day of Ashura?

Fasting on the day of Ashura is observed to commemorate significant events in Islamic history. It includes the freedom of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his people from Pharaoh. It is also a day of seeking Allah's mercy and forgiveness.

What to Do on the Day of Ashura?

Here are some recommended actions or Sunnah for Ashura:

Fasting: Observe fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram (the day of Ashura), or on the 10th and 11th of Muharram. Fasting is a means to expiate sins.
Quran Reading: If fasting isn't possible, reading the Quran or engaging in Dhikr can also bring blessings during Muharram.

WRITTEN BY

Ali Raza (Islamic Theology)

Ali Raza holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and is an expert in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Specializing in Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic donations, Ali's writings provide valuable insights into the religious and ethical aspects of charity. His work for Pakistan Sweet Homes aims to educate and inspire readers to support orphan care and charitable initiatives, making him a key contributor to the organization's mission.