❀ Authentic Ahadith on the Virtue of Two Fasts in Muharram ❀

✒ Written by: Abu al-Hasan Anbalvi, Monthly al-Hadith Hazro

❖ The Virtue of the Fast on ‘Ashura (10th Muharram)​

Narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Qatadah al-Ansari رضي الله عنه, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was asked about fasting on the day of ‘Ashura. He replied:
يُكَفِّرُ السَّنَةَ الْمَاضِيَةَ
“It expiates the sins of the past year.”
(Sahih Muslim: 1162)

❖ Origin and Background of Fasting on ‘Ashura​

Narrated by Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas رضي الله عنهما:
When the Prophet ﷺ came to Madinah, he saw the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Ashura. He asked them why, and they said: “It is a virtuous day, on which Allah saved Bani Isra'il from their enemy, so Musa fasted on this day.”


The Prophet ﷺ said:
“I am more entitled to Musa than you are.”
So he fasted on that day and instructed others to fast as well.
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 2004, Sahih Muslim: 1130)

According to the majority of scholars, ‘Ashura refers to the 10th of Muharram.
(Refer to: Sharh Sahih Muslim by al-Nawawi, 12/8)

❖ The Superiority of Fasting in Muharram​

Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrated:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“After Ramadan, the most virtuous fast is in the month of Allah, Muharram.”
(Sahih Muslim: 1163)

❖ Historical Context and Legislative Status​

Initially, fasting on ‘Ashura was obligatory in early Islam, but when fasting during Ramadan was made obligatory, the obligatory nature of ‘Ashura was abrogated while its virtue remained intact.

❖ Intent to Oppose the Jews​

When the Prophet ﷺ fasted on ‘Ashura and instructed his companions, they said: “O Messenger of Allah, this is a day the Jews and Christians honor.”
He replied:

“If I live till next year, I will fast on the 9th (of Muharram).”
(Sahih Muslim: 1134)

❖ Three Known Positions Regarding the Fast of ‘Ashura​

Let’s explore the three scholarly views with their evidence, and then establish the strongest opinion:

➊ First Opinion:​

Only the 9th of Muharram should be fasted.
This view is based on the Prophet ﷺ expressing intent to fast on the 9th, and on Ibn ‘Abbas’s statement:
“Count the days of Muharram and fast on the 9th.”
(Sahih Muslim: 1133)

➋ Second Opinion:​

Fast on the 10th, but combine it with either the 9th or 11th to oppose the Jews.
Their proof:
“Fast on ‘Ashura and differ from the Jews—fast a day before or after.”
(Musnad Ahmad: 1/241, Hadith 2154; Ibn Khuzaymah: 2095)
However, this narration is weak due to Dawud ibn ‘Ali.

➌ Third Opinion (Strongest):​

It is recommended (mustahabb) to fast both the 9th and 10th of Muharram.
This view is supported by:

• Jabir ibn Samurah رضي الله عنه:
  The Prophet ﷺ used to encourage the fast of ‘Ashura, but after Ramadan became obligatory, he neither commanded nor prohibited it.
  (Sahih Muslim: 1128)
• Sayyiduna Mu‘awiyah رضي الله عنه, during his caliphate in Madinah, reminded the people of the ‘Ashura fast as practiced by the Prophet ﷺ.
  (Sahih Muslim: 1129)
• ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas رضي الله عنهما said:
  "Oppose the Jews and fast on the 9th and the 10th."
  (al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi 4/287; Musannaf ‘Abd al-Razzaq: 7869, with authentic chain)

❖ Key Points from Ibn ‘Abbas's Statement:​

➊ ‘Ashura is not just the 9th; it includes the 9th and 10th.
➋ The fast of the 10th is legislated and virtuous.
➌ Fasting the 9th is to oppose the Jews.
➍ Partial narrations that mention only the 9th are incomplete; full practice includes both days.

❖ Another Report from Ibn ‘Abbas:​

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“If I live until next year, I will fast on the 9th (to avoid missing the fast of ‘Ashura).”
(al-Mu‘jam al-Kabir by al-Tabarani: 10817; chain is Hasan)

This further emphasizes the virtue of fasting on the 10th of Muharram.

❖ Addressing an Objection:​

Some argue that fasting on the 10th aligns with Jewish tradition, thus should be avoided.
However, clear and authentic texts indicate its virtue.

Moreover, the Prophet ﷺ prohibited fasting on Saturday alone, as it is a Jewish holy day:
(Sunan Abu Dawud: 2421; chain is Hasan)
But combining Saturday with Sunday makes it permissible.
(See: Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah before Hadith 2167)

Hence, avoiding the 10th altogether is not valid; instead, pairing it with the 9th fulfills the Sunnah and opposes the Jews.

❖ Preferred View:​

Based on authentic hadiths and scholarly consensus:

❀ Fasting on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram is recommended and Sunnah. ❀


Shaykh Ahmad ibn ‘Abdullah stated:
“It is an error to fast only the 9th of Muharram.”
(Bid‘ wa Akhta’ tata‘allaq bi al-Ayyam wa al-Shuhur, p. 224)

So, the two-day fast should be observed.

وَاللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ