Virtues of fasting on Ashura that we should know to motivate us to perform this fast:
1.Fasting in the month of Muharram is the best fast after Ramadan
From Abu Hurairah, the Prophet shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said,
أَفْضَلُ الصِّيَامِ بَعْدَ رَمَضَانَ شَهْرُ اللَّهِ الْمُحَرَّمُ وَأَفْضَلُ الصَّلاَةِ بَعْدَ الْفَرِيضَةِ صَلاَةُ اللَّيْلِ
“The best fast after (the fast of) Ramadan is fasting in the month of Allah, Muharram. And the best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.” (HR. Muslim no. 1163).
Muharram is called syahrullah, the month of Allah, indicating its greatness. Ath Thibiy said that what is meant by fasting in syahrullah is fasting on Ashura. Al Qori said that the hadith above refers to the entire month of Muharram. See Tuhfatul Ahwadzi, 2: 532. Imam Nawawi rahimahullah said that the month of Muharram is the best month to fast. See Syarh Shahih Muslim, 8: 50.
The hadith above indicates the virtue of fasting in the month of Muharram in general, including fasting on Ashura. (10th of Muharram)
2.Fasting on Ashura expiates the sins of the past year
From Abu Qotadah Al Anshoriy, he said,
وَسُئِلَ عَنْ صَوْمِ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ فَقَالَ « يُكَفِّرُ السَّنَةَ الْمَاضِيَةَ وَالْبَاقِيَةَ ». قَالَ وَسُئِلَ عَنْ صَوْمِ يَوْمِ عَاشُورَاءَ فَقَالَ « يُكَفِّرُ السَّنَةَ الْمَاضِيَةَ
“The Prophet shallallahu ’alaihi wa sallam was asked about the virtue of fasting on Arafah. He replied, ‘Fasting on Arafah expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.’ He was also asked about the virtue of fasting on Ashura. He replied, ‘Fasting on Ashura expiates the sins of the past year.’” (HR. Muslim no. 1162).
Imam Nawawi rahimahullah explained that the expiation of sins mentioned here refers to minor sins, as he elaborated in his discussion on ablution. However, it is hoped that major sins can also be lightened by this act of worship. If not, the act of worship can elevate one’s rank. See Syarh Shahih Muslim, 8: 46.
Syaikhul Islam Ibn Taimiyah held the view that every sin can be erased by acts of worship like fasting on Ashura. See Majmu’ Al Fatawa by Ibn Taimiyah, 7: 487-501.
The history behind fasting on the day of Ashura:
The Prophet shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam had the desire to fast on Tasu’ah (9th of Muharram).
Ibnu Abbas radhiyallahu ’anhuma said that when the Prophet shallallahu ’alaihi wa sallam fasted on the day of Ashura and ordered the Muslims to do the same, someone said,
يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنَّهُ يَوْمٌ تُعَظِّمُهُ الْيَهُودُ وَالنَّصَارَى.
“O Messenger of Allah, this is a day that is revered by the Jews and Christians.” So he said,
فَإِذَا كَانَ الْعَامُ الْمُقْبِلُ – إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ – صُمْنَا الْيَوْمَ التَّاسِعَ
“If I live to see the next year, insha Allah, we will also fast on the ninth day.” Ibnu Abbas said,
فَلَمْ يَأْتِ الْعَامُ الْمُقْبِلُ حَتَّى تُوُفِّىَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ -صلى الله عليه وسلم-.
“However, the Prophet shallallahu ’alaihi wa sallam passed away before the next year came.” (HR. Muslim no. 1134)
Why should we add fasting on the ninth day?
Imam Nawawi rahimahullah said that the scholars explained the purpose is to differ from the Jews who only fast on the 10th of Muharram. This is what is indicated in the hadith above. See Syarh Shahih Muslim, 8: 14.
How to Observe the Sunnah Fasting of Ashura?
As recorded by Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali in his Lataif Al-Ma’arif, there are 3 ways to fast:
- Only on the 10th of Muharram. Date SG time: Tuesday, 16 July 2024
- On the 10th of Muharram followed by a day before or a day after. Date SG time: Tuesday, 16 July 2024 followed by Monday, 15 July 2024 or Wednesday 17 July 2024.
- On the 9th, 10th, and 11th of Muharram. Date SG time: Monday, 15 July 2024, Tuesday, 16 July 2024 and Wednesday 17 July 2024.
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