The Ashura Fast
Introduction
In 1442 AH, the day of Ashura, 10 Muharram, fell on Saturday, August 29, 2020. Ashura holds a special place in the Islamic tradition, and the Prophet Muhammad gave particular attention to fasting on that day. Ibn Abbas narrated that he had never seen the Prophet give greater attention to fasting on any day outside Ramadan than he gave to the fast of Ashura.
The Prophet SAW also promised that fasting on the day of Ashura’ could be a kaffarah (penance for sins) of the previous year. The scholars agree that fasting on the day of Ashura’ is not obligatory; its ruling is sunnah.
Stages of the Ashura Fast
Al-Hafidz Ibn Rajab mentioned the stages of the Ashura fasting journey:
First, the Prophet SAW had fasted on Ashura along with the polytheists of Mecca. ‘Aisyah RA narrated: “The Day of Ashura was a day of fasting for the Quraysh during the period of ignorance. And in the past, Rasulullah SAW also fasted on Ashura. When he arrived in Medina, he fasted, and ordered his companions to fast on Ashura.” (HR. Bukhari and Muslim)
Second, when the Prophet SAW arrived in Medina, he saw Jewish people fasting on Ashura. He then fasted and ordered his companions to fast as well. At that time, fasting on Ashura became an obligatory fast for Muslims.
Third, when fasting in Ramadan was made obligatory, the ruling of fasting on Ashura’ became recommended and no longer obligatory.
Fourth, at the end of the Prophet SAW’s life, he instructed his companions to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, to differentiate it from the fasting of the Jews. Ibn Abbas RA narrated: “When the Prophet SAW carried out the fast of Ashura’ and ordered his companions to fast, a companion said: ‘O Rasulullah, indeed the day of Ashura’ is a day that is glorified by Jews and Christians.’ Then the Prophet SAW said: ‘Next year, we will fast on the ninth day.’ However, before the next year arrived, the Prophet SAW had already passed away.” (HR. Muslim)
May Allah SWT lengthen our lives so that we can meet again in the month of Muharram next year and be given guidance and inayah to fast on the day of Ashura’. Aamiin…
