Al-Salam Academy

Why you should fast the day of ‘Ashura
Don’t forget to fast the day of ‘Ashura!

(The tenth of Muharram)

Here’s why.

It will forgive a whole year of sin.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“For fasting the day of ‘Ashura, I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before.”

(Muslim, 1976)

Imam Nawwawi was of the opinion that this day expiates all minor sins; meaning major sins still require repentance.

It is the day Allah saved Musa.

When the Prophet came to Madinah, he saw the Jews fasting the day of ‘Ashura. When he asked them why they replied: “This is a righteous day…”

“It is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemies, so Musa fasted on this day.”

The Prophet replied,

“We have more right to Musa than you.” So he fasted that day and commanded the Muslims to do the same.

(Al-Bukhari, 1865)

The Prophet prioritised fasting this day.

Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said:

“I never saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of ‘Ashura.”

(Al-Bukhari, 1867)

He would’ve also fasted the ninth as well.

The Prophet said that ‘If I live to see the next year, God willing, we will fast on the ninth day too.’ But it so happened that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ passed away before the next year came.”

(Muslim, 1916)

Imam Nawwawi states that the reason to fast the ninth along with the tenth is to differentiate our fast from the fasting of the Jews, as indicated by Ibn ‘Abbas.

It occurs in a sacred month.

The month of Muharram, in which ‘Ashura falls, is a sacred month. This means that good deeds will bring about a greater reward while sins will be considered far more serious.

Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Quran 9:36)

The Prophet also particularly recommended us to increase our fasts this month when he said,

“The best of fasting after Ramadan is fasting Allah’s month of Muharram.”

(Muslim, 1982)
🎀Asma Aman 🎀

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: The best invocation is that of the Day of Arafat, and the best that anyone can say is what I and the Prophets before me have said:
Lā 'ilāha 'illallāhu
waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu,
lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu
wa huwa `alā kulli shay'in qadīr.
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah
Alone, Who has no partner.
His is the dominion and His is the praise,
and He is Able to do all things.

Prepare for ‘Arafah (Monday) from today in sha Allah , it’s not too late
- intention to fast
- clear your schedule
- forgiveness/apologies if necessary
- ambitious and comprehensive du’a list
- entire day focussed on du’a and dhikr
- start an hour before Fajr in sha Allah
🎀Asma Aman 🎀

Allhamdulillah tomorrow is Arafah Day which if you fast it, Allah forgives your sins of the year after and before.
For our sisters in the me**es who can't fast, you still have alot of good deeds to perform. Make dhikr, Help the needy, make Dua and among others.
🎀Asma Aman 🎀