Written by: Hafiz Nadeem Zaheer
"The best fast after the fast of Ramadan is fasting in Allah's month, Muharram."
(Sahih Muslim: 1113, Darussalam numbering: 2755)
(See: Sharh Sahih Muslim by Nawawi, 8/12)
❀ Expiation of Sins:Sayyiduna Abu Qatadah Al-Ansari رضي الله عنه narrated that when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was asked about fasting on the Day of Ashura, he replied:
"It expiates the sins of the past year."
(Sahih Muslim: 1162, Darussalam numbering: 2747)
"This is a good day; it is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy, and Musa عليه السلام fasted on this day."
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"I have more right to Musa than you."
Thus, he fasted on that day and commanded fasting on it.
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 2004, Sahih Muslim: 1130)
"I never saw the Prophet ﷺ eagerly seek to fast on a day and prefer it over others except for this day (Ashura) and this month (Ramadan)."
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 2002)
➊ First Opinion:
Some scholars suggest that one should fast on the 10th of Muharram and add either the 9th or the 11th to differentiate from the Jews. They cite the following narration:
"Fast on the Day of Ashura and oppose the Jews by fasting a day before or after it."
(Musnad Ahmad: 2154, Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 2095)
However, this narration is weak due to the weakness of the narrator Dawud ibn Ali. Thus, it cannot be used as conclusive evidence, as weak narrations are not a valid proof.
It is noteworthy that Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما said:
"Oppose the Jews: Fast on the 9th and the 10th."
(Musannaf Abd al-Razzaq: 7839)
➋ Second Opinion:
Some hold that only the 9th of Muharram should be fasted upon, based on the narration:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ fasted on the Day of Ashura and ordered fasting on it. The Companions said:"O Messenger of Allah! It is a day the Jews and Christians venerate."
The Prophet ﷺ said:"Next year, if Allah wills, we will fast on the 9th."
(Sahih Muslim: 1134)
Although this Hadith is authentic, deriving the ruling to only fast the 9th and abandoning the 10th entirely is incorrect. Many scholars have declared this interpretation an error.
For example, the Arab scholar Sheikh Ahmad bin Abdullah wrote:
"It is a mistake to fast only on the 9th."
(Bid'ah and Mistakes Related to Days and Months, p. 224)
➌ Third and Most Correct Opinion:The strongest opinion is to fast on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram, as supported by the Fatwa of Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما and corroborated by other Hadiths.
(Our duty is only to convey the message.)
Introduction: Al-Muharram al-Haram (Virtues and Rulings)
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the four sacred months. It is also referred to as "Shahr Allah" — the "Month of Allah." Although all days and months belong to Allah, some have been granted superiority over others, and acts of worship are particularly encouraged during them. This article aims to briefly present the virtues and rulings concerning Muharram.Virtues of Muharram
❀ Virtue of Fasting:Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:"The best fast after the fast of Ramadan is fasting in Allah's month, Muharram."
(Sahih Muslim: 1113, Darussalam numbering: 2755)
The Day of Ashura
According to the majority of scholars, the Day of Ashura refers to the 10th day of Muharram.(See: Sharh Sahih Muslim by Nawawi, 8/12)
❀ Expiation of Sins:Sayyiduna Abu Qatadah Al-Ansari رضي الله عنه narrated that when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was asked about fasting on the Day of Ashura, he replied:
"It expiates the sins of the past year."
(Sahih Muslim: 1162, Darussalam numbering: 2747)
The Practice of Fasting on Ashura
❀ Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما narrated:When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he observed that the Jews were fasting on the Day of Ashura. He inquired about it, and they said:"This is a good day; it is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy, and Musa عليه السلام fasted on this day."
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"I have more right to Musa than you."
Thus, he fasted on that day and commanded fasting on it.
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 2004, Sahih Muslim: 1130)
Regularity of Fasting on Ashura
❀ Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما also narrated:"I never saw the Prophet ﷺ eagerly seek to fast on a day and prefer it over others except for this day (Ashura) and this month (Ramadan)."
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 2002)
Rulings: When to Fast on Ashura?
Several opinions exist regarding when exactly one should fast:➊ First Opinion:
Some scholars suggest that one should fast on the 10th of Muharram and add either the 9th or the 11th to differentiate from the Jews. They cite the following narration:
"Fast on the Day of Ashura and oppose the Jews by fasting a day before or after it."
(Musnad Ahmad: 2154, Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 2095)
However, this narration is weak due to the weakness of the narrator Dawud ibn Ali. Thus, it cannot be used as conclusive evidence, as weak narrations are not a valid proof.
It is noteworthy that Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما said:
"Oppose the Jews: Fast on the 9th and the 10th."
(Musannaf Abd al-Razzaq: 7839)
➋ Second Opinion:
Some hold that only the 9th of Muharram should be fasted upon, based on the narration:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ fasted on the Day of Ashura and ordered fasting on it. The Companions said:"O Messenger of Allah! It is a day the Jews and Christians venerate."
The Prophet ﷺ said:"Next year, if Allah wills, we will fast on the 9th."
(Sahih Muslim: 1134)
Although this Hadith is authentic, deriving the ruling to only fast the 9th and abandoning the 10th entirely is incorrect. Many scholars have declared this interpretation an error.
For example, the Arab scholar Sheikh Ahmad bin Abdullah wrote:
"It is a mistake to fast only on the 9th."
(Bid'ah and Mistakes Related to Days and Months, p. 224)
➌ Third and Most Correct Opinion:The strongest opinion is to fast on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram, as supported by the Fatwa of Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما and corroborated by other Hadiths.
(Our duty is only to convey the message.)
