The month of Muharram is upon us, and within this sacred month lies a gem known as the day of Ashura, the 10th of Muharram.
On this day Allah saved Musa and Bani Israel from Firaun. In gratitude, Prophet Musa observed fasting on this day (Al-Wahab Foundation). Some traditions, although weak, suggest that the 10th of Muharram is the day when Prophet Nuh’s Ark settled upon Mount Judi, marking another divine act of salvation. In gratefulness to Allah, Nuh (AS) observed fasting on the 10th of Muharram (Al-Wahab Foundation).
Fasting on the 10th of Muharram
Significance
It is narrated that, “There are four things which the Prophet never gave up: fasting Ashura (10th of Muharram), fasting during the ten days [of Dhul Hijjah], fasting three days of each month, and praying two rak’at before al-ghadah [i.e., Fajr].” (Sunan an-Nasa’i 2416)
Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) was particularly keen on fasting on this day. He said, “II never saw the Prophet (ﷺ) seeking to fast on a day that he favored more than another except this day, the day of ‘Ashura’, and this month, meaning the month of Ramadan” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2006).
Aisha (RA) narrated that even during the pre-Islamic period, the Quraysh used to observe fasting on the day of Ashura (Sahih al-Bukhari 4504). The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself observed this fast during this time, and when he (ﷺ) migrated to Medina, he continued the practice and ordered Muslims to fast on this day as well (Sahih al-Bukhari 4504). However, after the revelation of the obligatory fasting of Ramadan, fasting on the 10th of Muharram became voluntary (Sahih al-Bukhari 4504).
Towards the end of his life, the Prophet (ﷺ) expressed his intention to fast on the 9th and the 10th of Muharram to distinguish the Muslim practice from that of the Jews and Christians. However, he passed away before this (Sunan Abi Dawud 2445).
As we welcome the new Islamic year, we should honour the practice of our beloved Prophet (ﷺ) and fast on this day. The 10th of Muharram presents an excellent opportunity for reflection and renewal. Fasting on this day not only brings immense spiritual rewards but also allows us to start the year with a clean slate, seeking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.
Virtues
1. Forgiveness of Sins: Fasting on Ashura is highly meritorious. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Fast the Day of Ashura, for indeed I anticipate that Allah will forgive (the sins of) the year before it” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 752). Imam Al-Nawawi noted that this expiation applies to minor sins; major sins still require sincere repentance.
2. A Sacred Month: Muharram is a sacred month, amplifying the reward for good deeds and the seriousness of sins. The Prophet (ﷺ) particularly recommended increasing our fasts during this month, stating, “The most excellent fast after Ramadan is God’s month, al-Muharram” (Sahih Muslim 1163a).
3. The Prophet ﷺ said we are closer to Musa: When the Prophet (ﷺ) arrived in Medina, he found the Jews fasting on the 10th of Muharram, commemorating Allah’s saving of Musa from Pharaoh. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “We have more right to Musa than you do.” So he fasted (that day) and enjoined (others) to fast it also (Sunan Ibn Majah 1734).
Conclusion
The 10th of Muharram is a day of profound historical and spiritual significance. It is a day to commemorate the victories granted by Allah, reflect on the examples set by the prophets, and seek forgiveness for our past sins. By fasting on this day, we align ourselves with a tradition that spans across generations of prophets and righteous believers. As we embrace the new year, let us pray for strength, forgiveness, and the courage to uphold the truth.
