The Virtue of Fasting on Ashura
Fasting on the day of Ashura holds immense reward in the sight of Allah Almighty. It is said that observing this fast expiates the sins of an entire year. Ashura falls on the tenth day of Muharram. Initially, fasting on this day was obligatory for Muslims before the obligation of fasting during Ramadan was instituted. Subsequently, with the establishment of Ramadan fasting, Muslims have the option to either observe the Ashura fast or forego it.
The Ruling and Significance of Fasting Ashura
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) practiced fasting on Ashura, and he encouraged his followers to do the same. This highlights the merit of fasting on this day for all Muslims. The significance of Ashura stems from the fact that it commemorates the day when Allah – the Exalted – saved His Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) and those who believed in him, while drowning Pharaoh and his army. Therefore, fasting on this day serves as an expression of gratitude to Allah (Glory be to Him).
Levels of Fasting on Ashura
Both Imam Ibn al-Qayyim and Imam Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on them) noted that there are three levels of fasting on the day of Ashura, which are outlined as follows:
- Fasting on the 9th, 10th, and 11th days of Muharram. This level is considered the most complete, and Imam al-Shafi’i (may Allah have mercy on him) recommended this trio of days for fasting, from the 9th to the 11th.
- Fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram only. This level is supported by many Hadiths. Al-Khatib al-Sharbini (may Allah have mercy on him) explained the wisdom behind combining the 9th with the 10th in fasting, stating, “This is a precautionary measure, as there may be an error in determining the beginning of the month. Additionally, it distinguishes Muslims from the Jews, who fast only on the 10th, and it serves to avoid isolating the 10th alone for fasting, similar to the situation with Fridays.”
- Fasting solely on the 10th of Muharram.