Is Fasting on the 9th of Muharram Along With Ashura a Sunnah?

Source: Fatāwā ʿUlamāʾ-e-Ḥadīth – Kitāb al-Ṣalāh, Volume 1

❖ The Question​

“I wish to fast on the day of ʿĀshūrāʾ this year. Some people advised me to also fast on the 9th of Muḥarram. Is there authentic guidance from the Prophet ﷺ in this regard?”

❖ The Answer​

Yes, fasting on the 9th of Muḥarram along with the 10th (ʿĀshūrāʾ) is authentically established from the Prophet ﷺ.

❖ Authentic Ḥadīth Evidence​

Narrated by ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿAbbās رضي الله عنهما:

“When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ fasted on the day of ʿĀshūrāʾ and commanded others to fast on it, the companions said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, the Jews and Christians also honor this day.’
So the Prophet ﷺ said: ‘If I live until next year, I will certainly fast on the 9th as well.’
Ibn ʿAbbās said: The next year did not come before the Messenger of Allah ﷺ passed away.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Ḥadīth 1916)

❖ Opinions of Jurists​

Great scholars such as Imām al-Shāfiʿī, Imām Aḥmad, Imām Isḥāq, and others have stated:

“It is recommended to fast on both the 9th and the 10th of Muḥarram, as the Prophet ﷺ fasted on the 10th and intended to fast on the 9th.”

❖ Levels of Fasting on ʿĀshūrāʾ​

① Minimum Level: Fasting only on the 10th of Muḥarram
② Best Practice: Fasting on the 9th and 10th together
③ Most Virtuous: Fasting more days during the month of Muḥarram

❖ Wisdom Behind Fasting the 9th of Muḥarram​

Imām al-Nawawī رحمه الله outlined several reasons:

◈ Opposition to Jews and Christians: They only fast on the 10th; Muslims add the 9th to distinguish their practice.

◈ Adding an Extra Day: Similar to the Sunnah of not fasting on Friday alone.

◈ Ensuring Accuracy: In case of lunar miscalculation, the 10th is still included when one fasts on the 9th.

The strongest and most correct reason is to oppose the practices of the People of the Book.

❖ Scholars’ Commentary​

• Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله:

“The Prophet ﷺ forbade imitating the People of the Book in many ḥadīths. Regarding ʿĀshūrāʾ, he said: ‘If I live till next year, I will fast on the 9th.’”
(Fatāwā al-Kubrā, Vol. 6)

• Ḥāfiẓ Ibn Ḥajar رحمه الله:

“The Prophet’s ﷺ intention to fast on the 9th implies it was not limited to that day alone, but that the 10th would also be included, either out of caution or opposition to the Jews and Christians. This is the preferred opinion, supported by some narrations in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim.”
(Fatḥ al-Bārī, Vol. 4, p. 245)

❖ Conclusion​

Yes, fasting on the 9th of Muḥarram along with the 10th (ʿĀshūrāʾ) is a recommended Sunnah, supported by authentic ḥadīths and the understanding of prominent scholars. This practice distinguishes Muslims from non-Muslims and aligns with the prophetic intention.