Why Is It Good To Fast on the Day of Ashura?

Have you ever wondered why Muslims fast on Ashura? Before answering this question, it is important to know that fasting on Ashura is a voluntary act (Sunnah) and not an obligation (Wajib), as the Prophet (S.A.W) said:

“Fast if you wish, and those who do are not obliged to do so.”

Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year and one of the four sacred months.

In this month, we reflect on ourselves and express our gratitude for countless blessings; The blessing of health is the main principle to increase our piety.

Also, one of the greatest merits of fasting on Ashura Day is that Allah, Glorious, and Exalted is He, will expiate the sins from the previous year!

Ashura

In this article, we will talk about Ashura Day, the virtues of fasting on Ashura, and why Muslims fast on Ashura.

What is Ashura?

Ashura word derived from the word (Asharah), which means ten in Arabic. It is the 10th day of Muharram; this year Ashura falls on Friday, 28th of July 2023.

The Day of Ashura is one of the most significant dates in the Islamic calendar and carries spiritual and historical significance for Muslims.

In this article, we will provide you with all the essential information about Ashura Day

Muslims believe that Ashura Day marks the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. When God saved Prophet Musa (Peace be upon him) by parting the Red Sea and delivering the children of Israel (Banu Israel) from the tyranny of the pharaoh.

Ashura is an event that occurred on the 10th day of Muharram. This event happened at Karbala in Iraq. It was one of the saddest days in Islamic history, when Imam Hussein (May Allah be pleased with him), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon him), and his closest family members and companions were deprived of their rights and suffered a cruel martyrdom.

Why is it good for Muslims to fast on Ashura?

This day only comes once a year, so we should try to take advantage of its blessings. This day was so important to our Prophet (Peace and Blessings be upon him), who fasted on this day even before the advent of Islam; it was a key day in the journey of Prophet Musa (Peace be upon him) and Prophet Nuh (Peace be upon him).

Along with fasting on this day to wash away our minor sins from the previous year, we should also increase our good deeds and charity to help those in need.

Virtues of fasting on Ashura:

  1. Fasting on Ashura expiates an entire year of sins. Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) said, “I hope that Allah accepts it as expiation for the previous year.” [Narrated by Bukhari]

But this expiation of minor sins comes when one avoids major sins. It is a big mistake to rely on fasting a single day to “wipe your slate clean” by fasting a single day.

If one neglects his daily prayers or fasting in Ramadan, or if he slanders, lies, commits adultery, or commits other grave sins, fasting on Ashura alone will not atone for his sins.

  1. It is the day Allah saved the children of Israel. When the prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) came to Madinah, he saw the Jews fasting on the Day of Ashura. When he asked them why, they replied, “It’s a righteous day. It is the day Allah saved the children of Israel from their enemies, so Musa (Peace be upon him) fasted on this day.”

The prophet (S.A.W) then replied: “We have more right to Musa than you.” So, he fasted that day and commanded the Muslims to do so.

  1.  The Prophet, (S.A.W) prioritized fasting this day, Ibn ‘Abbas narrated: “I never saw the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) so keen to fast or give priority to any other day than this day (Ashura day).” [Narrated by Bukhari]

The true Muslim always takes advantage of Islam’s blessed occasions and days. He does everything he can to get closer to Allah.

In doing so, he knows the virtuous days and occasions in Islam to follow his prophet in all spheres of life.

  1. Ashura falls in Muharram, a sacred month. When the purest deeds bring greater reward, and sins are far worse. [Tafsir Ibn Kathir].

The prophet (S.A.W) also said: “the best of fasting after Ramadan is fasting in Allah’s month of Muharram.”

Ashura

Why is Mustahabb to fast on Tasu’a?

‘Abdallah ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: “When the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) fasted on Ashura and commanded the Muslims to fast as well, they said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, it is a day venerated by the Jews and Christians.’ The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) said, ‘If I live to see the next year, in sha Allah, we will fast on the ninth day too.’ But it so happened that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) passed away before the next year came.” [Narrated by Muslim]

According to Al-Shaafa’i and his companions, it is mustahabb to fast on both the ninth and tenth days; because the Prophet (S.A.W) fasted on the ninth and tenth day, because the Prophet (S.A.W) fasted on the tenth, and intended to fast on the ninth.” 

The Reason Behind Fasting on Tasu’a with Ashura Day:

Several events occurred on this day. Its popularity among Muslims is derived from Ashura because ‘Karbala’ took place on the ninth and tenth day of Muharram.

Why do Muslims fast on Tasu’a?

  • The intention is to be different from the Jews, who only venerate the Day of Ashura. [This opinion was reported by Ibn ‘Abbas]
  •  The intention is to add another day of fasting to Ashura. This is akin to the prohibition of fasting on Friday by itself, as was mentioned by al-Khattaabi and others.
  • To make sure that one is fast on Ashura, in case there is any mistake in sighting the crescent moon at the beginning of Muharram and the ninth is the tenth.

So, the wisdom of fasting Tasu’a and Ashura together lies in several aspects that were mentioned by scholars and referred to by Imam al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) as he said: Fasting on Tasu’a and the day of Ashura together; in the case of fasting on Friday, which is forbidden to fast alone. And also for ensuring fasting on the day of Ashura, and avoiding falling into mistakes resulting from seeing the crescent.

Fasting on the days of Tasu’a and Ashura contradicts non-Muslims who fast on the Day of Ashura only.

Ashura

As we memorialize Ashura Day, let us also not forget this horrific incident in Islam history. We commemorate this day by remembering how hatred and division can lead to destruction and loss of innocent lives.

Let us recall this day by reaffirming our commitment to spreading goodness and rejecting evil. We stand for unity and not division, for peace and not hostility, and love and not hate.

May Allah give us this opportunity to maximize the blessings and appreciate the virtues of this blessed day.

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