Understanding the Day of Ashura: A Guide to Its Significance
Fasting on the 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura, is an important Islamic holy day that holds profound significance for Muslims worldwide. This practice, deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and history, offers a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal and reflection.
What does Ashura mean?
The word "Ashura" literally means ‘the tenth’ and refers to the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year. It's the most important day of the first month of the Islamic calendar. The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, with months beginning on the new moon.
When is the day of Ashura?
The Day of Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram, which is expected to be on 16th July 2024 this year. This is subject to change depending on the sighting of the moon.
Fasting on the Day of Ashura
The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of fasting on Ashura, never abandoning it. He consistently practiced it along with other significant fasts.
It reported that “There are four things which the Prophet never gave up: fasting (for) Ashura, fasting during the ten days [of Dhul Hijjah], fasting three days of each month, and praying two rak’at before al-ghadah [i.e., Fajr]” (Sunan Al-Nasa'i).
Virtues and Blessings of Ashura
- The Prophet Would Fast on This Day Even Before Prophethood
Before prophethood, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) would fast on this day. It was a tradition upheld by the Quraysh in Makkah, possibly due to the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).
- Fasting on This Day Used to Be Obligatory
Initially, fasting on ‘Ashura was obligatory. This obligation was later abrogated by the fasting of Ramadan. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Prophet ordered Muslims to fast on ‘Ashura before it became optional after Ramadan was prescribed (Sahih Al Bukhari).
- The Prophet Recommended Believers to Fast on This Day
When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came to Madinah, he saw the Jews fasting on ‘Ashura and learned it was in commemoration of Allah saving Musa (peace be upon him). He then recommended Muslims to fast on this day as well (Sahih Al Bukhari).
- It Is the Best Fast After Ramadan
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said that the best fast after Ramadan is fasting during Allah’s month of Muharram (Sahih Muslim).
- The Prophet Prioritized It
Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) reported that he never saw the Prophet so keen to fast on any day other than ‘Ashura and the month of Ramadan (Sahih Al Bukhari).
- A Means of Expiating Sins
Fasting on ‘Ashura is a means of expiating sins of the previous year. The Prophet said, “Fasting the day of ‘Arafah I hope will expiate the year before it and the year after it, and fasting the day of ‘Ashura I hope will expiate the year that came before it” (Sahih Muslim).
- Spending on One’s Family on This Day Brings Blessings
Being extra generous to one’s family on this day brings blessings throughout the year. The Prophet said, “One who generously spends on his family on ‘Ashura, Allah will be generous on him for the entire year” (Al-Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman).
In addition, it’s encouraged to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram to distinguish from the fasting of the Jews, as the Prophet intended to do if he lived to the next year (Musnad Ahmad). Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim mentioned that the best form of fasting on ‘Ashura is to fast three days: the 9th, 10th, and 11th of Muharram.
It commemorates the day Allah saved Prophet Musa and the Children of Israel, as well as the martyrdom of Imam Hussein in the Battle of Karbala. May Allah grant us the ability to fast on ‘Ashura, forgive our sins, and shower His blessings upon us. Ameen
