23/06/2026
Virtues of Fasting on the Day of ʿĀshūrāʾ
The Day of ʿĀshūrāʾ is the 10th of Muḥarram, one of the most virtuous days of the Islamic year. Fasting on this day is a highly recommended Sunnah.
1. It Expiates the Sins of the Previous Year
The Prophet ﷺ said:
> "Fasting the day of ʿĀshūrāʾ, I hope from Allah that it will expiate the sins of the year before it."
— Sahih Muslim
This refers to the forgiveness of the minor sins of the previous year, while major sins require sincere repentance.
2. It Was the Fast of Prophet Mūsā (Moses) عليه السلام
When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on the Day of ʿĀshūrāʾ. They said:
> "This is a great day. Allah saved Mūsā and his people and drowned Pharaoh and his people, so Mūsā fasted it in gratitude."
The Prophet ﷺ said:
> "We have more right to Mūsā than you."
Then he fasted it and commanded the Muslims to fast it.
— Reported in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
3. It Was a Known Fast Before Ramadan
Before the fasting of Ramadan became obligatory, fasting on ʿĀshūrāʾ was observed by the Muslims and even by the Quraysh in Makkah. After Ramadan was prescribed, fasting ʿĀshūrāʾ remained a recommended Sunnah.
4. Following the Sunnah of the Prophets
Fasting on ʿĀshūrāʾ combines following the example of:
Prophet Mūsā عليه السلام
Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ
It is an expression of gratitude to Allah for His blessings and His support of the believers.
5. Distinguishing Ourselves from the People of the Book
The Prophet ﷺ said:
> "If I live until next year, I will certainly fast the ninth (of Muḥarram)."
— Sahih Muslim
Therefore, scholars recommend:
1. Best: Fast the 9th and 10th (Tāsūʿāʾ and ʿĀshūrāʾ).
2. Also good: Fast the 10th and 11th.
3. Minimum: Fast the 10th alone.
Benefits and Lessons of ʿĀshūrāʾ
Gratitude to Allah for His blessings.
Remembering Allah's victory for truth over falsehood.
Following the way of the Prophets.
Seeking forgiveness for sins.
Reviving an important Sunnah.
A Reminder
Muḥarram is one of the sacred months. The Prophet ﷺ said:
> "The best fasting after Ramadan is Allah's month, Muḥarram."
— Sahih Muslim
May Allah allow us to fast ʿĀshūrāʾ with sincerity, forgive our sins, and make us among those who follow the Sunnah of His Messenger ﷺ. Ameen.
