Fasting on Ashura is among the most sacred acts of piety in Islam, filled with history and spiritual benefits. In this article, we will explore the meaning of Ashura, its significance, and more.
What Is Ashura?
Ashura is the 10th day in Muharram, the first month in the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. It’s one of the holiest days in Islam. The majority of Muslims worldwide fast on Ashura as a form of winning Allah’s mercy and contemplating great rewards in Islam.
Historical Background in Islamic Tradition
Fasting on Ashura is not only a spiritual ritual, but it’s a way of remembering and honoring the past. Ashura is a special day even before the existence of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Various nations marked this day, but Islam gave it greater spiritual meaning and application.
Fasting on Ashura and the Association with Prophet Musa (AS)
One of the strongest reasons for fasting on Ashura is that it is linked to the miraculous rescue of Prophet Musa (AS) and the Israelites by God from the rule of Pharaoh.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that Musa fasted on this day in gratitude to Allah for having saved his people. This link reminds Muslims of the significance of faith, perseverance, and God’s justice.
How the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Observed This Day
When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ migrated to Madinah, he found the Jewish Fasting on Ashura. When informed of the reason, he responded, “We are closer to our Musa than they are,” and began fasting on this day himself.
The prophet encouraged the Muslim ummah to do the same. This tradition incorporated Fasting on Ashura into a powerful Sunnah, one rich with spiritual value and historical reflection.
The Importance of Fasting on Ashura
Understanding why fasting on Ashura is especially important in Islamic practice makes us appreciate even more this sacred action. It’s not only a tradition but a holy way of seeking Allah’s forgiveness and developing our faith.
A Sunnah with Countless Rewards
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also emphasized the significance of Fasting on Ashura by saying, “Fasting on the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.” (Sahih Muslim)
The hadith implies that maintaining this fast offers an opportunity to wash away the sins committed during the previous year, and so it is a spiritually purifying activity.
A Day of Forgiveness and Mercy
By fasting on Ashura, Muslims ask for the mercy and forgiveness of Allah. It’s a unique opportunity to think about one’s actions, turn back to Allah with a repentant heart, and begin anew. The day reminds us of humility and turning back to Allah with a clean heart.
A Symbol of Gratitude and Faith
Fasting on Ashura connects us to the gratitude of Prophet Musa (AS) when his people were saved. It’s an act of appreciation for Allah’s favors and mercy in our own lives, too. This is what strengthens our faith and reliance on Allah’s plan even more.
Fasting on Ashura as An Act of Obedience and Unity
Practicing fasting during Ashura also brings Muslims together across the globe. Regardless of culture or background, this universal practice helps to create a sense of belongingness and religiosity with our shared history and spiritual objectives in mind.
Fasting on Ashura in the Hijri Calendar Context
Learning about the importance of fasting on Ashura within the context of the Islamic calendar gives this practice yet another layer of significance.
Muharram: The First and One of the Holiest Hijri Months
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, and it’s one of Islam’s holiest four months. This sanctity invites Muslims to worship and self-examination, and fasting on Ashura is even more significant because it occurs at the start of the Islamic year.
Marking a Spiritual New Beginning
As most cultures begin their new year with new promises, fasting on Ashura provides Muslims with a religious reboot. It’s a chance to begin the Hijri year with re-assertion of belief, seeking pardon, and becoming closer to Allah.
Discovering Common Ground with the Sanctity of Time in Islam
The Hijri calendar itself highlights Islam’s concentration on the utilization of time for spiritual purposes. Celebrating special days like Ashura alerts Muslims that each moment represents an opportunity for growth and closeness to Allah. Fasting on Ashura is a utilitarian way of honoring this sacred timeline.
Encouraging Routine Piety Throughout the Year
Starting the year on Ashura by fasting calls on believers to maintain normal worship and caution throughout the following months. It’s an attempt at initiating a year full of blessings and spiritual achievement.
Sunnah Practices Associated with Ashura
To optimize fasting on Ashura, it is helpful to know about the Sunnah actions that are encouraged surrounding this special day. These activities help Muslims mark the day in a way that pleases Allah and honors the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Fasting the Day Before or After Ashura
The Prophet ﷺ requested the Muslims to fast on the 10th of Muharram, but also recommended fasting a day before (9th) or a day after (11th) to make the Islamic fasting different from the Jewish tradition.
Such an action, referred to as “fasting Ashura with a day,” increases the reward and closely follows the instructions of the Prophet.
Avoiding Innovations (Bid’ah)
Although fasting on Ashura is highly recommended, care should be taken not to add extra rituals or practices that the Prophet ﷺ does not ordain. Strict adherence to the Sunnah ensures that fasting is valid and spiritually beneficial.
Practicing Charity and Supplication
Ashura is also a great day to increase acts of good deeds such as giving charity (sadaqah) and offering dua (supplication). The actions supplement fasting during Ashura by fostering spiritual growth and helping poor people.
Fasting on Ashura with Reflection and Repentance
Taking time for sincere reflection and turning back to Allah in repentance makes fasting on Ashura a deeply transformative experience. It’s a moment to evaluate one’s life and renew commitment to Islamic values.
Common Questions About Fasting on Ashura
If you want to learn more, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about fasting on Ashura:
Is it obligatory or Sunnah to fast on Ashura?
Fasting on Ashura is strongly recommended Sunnah, but not obligatory. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged it as a way of attaining enormous spiritual benefits and gaining forgiveness.
May I only fast on the 10th of Muharram?
Yes, fasting on the 10th alone is okay. However, fasting a day earlier (9th) or a day later (11th) is sunnah and maximizes the reward.
What if I forgot to fast on the 9th?
It is fine to fast on the 10th and 11th if you forgot the 9th. We should follow the example of the Prophet by fasting Ashura so that we can distinguish it from other rituals.
May we combine Ashura fasting with other voluntary fasts?
You can combine fasting on Ashura with other voluntary fasts, but better yet, be careful and observe the intention specifically for Ashura fasting so that you acquire its special reward.
Conclusion
Fasting on Ashura is a powerful means of drawing inspiration from glorious Islamic history and seeking Allah’s grace. If you follow this blessed fast, you begin the Hijri year with renewal of faith and gratitude. Make the best out of Fasting on Ashura and strengthen your faith by this meaningful Sunnah.
Want to enhance your knowledge about Hijri months and strengthen your journey of faith?
Join Tareeq Ul Jannah’s comprehensive Islamic studies today! Uncover holy days like Ashura, the reasoning behind Islamic practices, and how to further your iman with an experienced tutor.
Don’t let this chance pass away from becoming more familiar with Allah and deen—join Tareeq Ul Jannah today and make knowledge a reality!
Want to Explore More About the Islamic New Year?
Learn how Muslims celebrate the Islamic New Year across cultures with deep spiritual meaning.
Teach kids about the Islamic New Year with fun, age-appropriate learning activities.
Discover the inspiring history of the Islamic New Year and the Hijrah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Understand the spiritual significance of Muharram and its place in the Islamic calendar.
Learn about the power of fasting on Ashura and why it’s a highly recommended Sunnah.
Find thoughtful and warm Islamic New Year wishes to share with your family and friends.
Try meaningful and fun Islamic New Year activities for kids to make the occasion memorable.
Thinking of traveling? Read about the spiritual rewards of Umrah in Muharram.
