Source: Fatawa Arkan-e-Islam
❀ The Shari‘ah Ruling on Fasting on the Day of Ashura
✿ The Sunnah and Practice of the Prophet ﷺ
When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he saw the Jews observing the fast on the 10th of Muharram (the Day of Ashura). Upon this, the Prophet ﷺ said:
«أَنَا أَحَقُّ بِمُوسَی مِنْکُمْ فَصَامَهُ وَأَمَرَ بِصِيَامِهِ»
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Sawm, Bab Sawm Yawm Ashura, Hadith: 2004; Sahih Muslim, Bab Sawm Yawm Ashura, Hadith: 1130 — wording from Bukhari)
Translation: “I am more entitled to follow Musa (Moses) than you.” Thus, the Prophet ﷺ observed the fast on the Day of Ashura and instructed others to fast on this day as well.
❀ Opposing the Jews and the Command to Fast Additional Days
Later, the Prophet ﷺ directed that Muslims should not fast only on the 10th of Muharram, in opposition to the Jews. Therefore, he recommended fasting along with it:
◈ Either on the 9th of Muharram (the day before),
◈ Or on the 11th of Muharram (the day after).
❀ What is the Most Virtuous Practice?
① The most virtuous method is to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram together.
② If one is unable to fast on the 9th, then fasting on the 10th and 11th is also permissible.
③ However, fasting on the 9th of Muharram is more virtuous than fasting on the 11th.
❀ Guidance for Muslims
O Muslim brother! You should:
✔ Observe the fast on the Day of Ashura (10th Muharram),
✔ Along with the 9th of Muharram,
So that you may follow the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and avoid imitating the Jews.
ھٰذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
