This article will help you understand what are the virtues of fasting in Muharram and the rewards of fasting on the 9th and 10th Muharram which is Ashura day.
Muharram is the first Islamic month and the most important one. This month has the day of Ashura which is a day when our sins are forgiven if we pray for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. It is also commended to do charity during this month as much as you can.
This is the month when the family of Prophet Muhammad PBUH was brutally martyred by Yazid’s cruel forces in the battle of Karbala.
After Ramadan, Muharram is the month when Muslims should fast, said Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Muslims should fast this Month, and get rewarded just like Ramadan. (Cited from Bukhari).
Fasting in Muharram is also mentioned in the Al-Tawbah;
The month of Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam. And indeed every prayer or fast you observe during this month will earn you double the rewards than any other month.
Ibn’ Abbas reported that when the Messenger of Allah was told that Jews and Christians hold high esteem for the day of Ashura he replied that he will fast on the 9th Muharram as well if he remain alive but the next year Holy Prophet PBuH passed away. (Sahih Muslim 1134a)
As per ibn Abbas, it is reported that one should fast for two days 9th and 10th to distinguish and oppose Jews.
It is crucial to note, however, that fasting on the day of Ashura (10th of Muharram) is strongly advised.
Jews used to fast on Ashura Day (10th of Muharram), After our Prophet (PBUH) saw this act, he asked Jews and Christians what is it about, and they told that they fast because Moses (Musa AS) was saved from the Pharoah this day. After hearing this, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that we own Moses more than Jews and Christians, so he (PBUH) asked Muslims to fast on the 10th.
He said that when God’s messenger fasted on the day of ‘Ashura’ and commanded that it should be observed as a fast, he was told it was a day held in honour by Jews and Christians, and said, “If I am spared till next year I shall fast on the ninth.” [Mishkat al-Masabih 2041]
Ashura Day is the 10th Muharram when the family of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) including his Grandson Hussain Ibn Ali (RA) was martyred by the cruel Yazid army.
This day has a lot of significance in Islam due to many reasons. Hadith about Fasting on Ashura day includes;
No, fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram both is allowed, as instructed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Got a question? Feel free to ask mufti and get quick answers.
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This post was last modified on July 13, 2024 12:02 am
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ma shaa allah <3
how can we spent a Muharram
Wonderful Elucidation. Jazak Allahu Khairan.
I was unable to fast on Muharam 9 & 10 is it permissible to fast same month to cover those two days please?
I was unable to fast on Muharam 9 & 10 is it permissible to fast same month to cover those two days please?
Fasting on Muharram 9th or 10th is not obligatory, so there is no need to fast specifically to cover those days. However, you may choose to observe optional fasts on other days, such as Mondays or Thursdays. These optional fasts are not obligatory but can be practiced as acts of devotion. The only fasting that is obligatory is making up for any missed fasts during Ramadan.
"No, you can not fast for only one day whether it is the 9th Muharram or 10th Muharram. You have to fast either on both days or do not fast at all if you miss any of the fast"
is there a sahih hadith for this? do not create your own rules. Fasting on Ashura is sunnah and our Prophet said it is BETTER to fast on both days. He did not say its haram if you can only fast for one day
Thank you for sharing your viewpoint, Asraf. It is important to clarify that the comment you are referring to does not imply that fasting for only one day is prohibited or haram. Rather, it suggests that if someone intends to observe the fast of Ashura, it is recommended to fast on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram.
While there may not be a specific Sahih Hadith that explicitly states it is prohibited to fast for only one day, it is worth noting that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged fasting on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram. The practice of fasting on the 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura, predates Islam and was observed by the Jewish community as well. When the Prophet learned of this, he recommended fasting on the 9th as well to differentiate the Muslim practice from the Jewish tradition.
It is essential to remember that individual circumstances vary, and not everyone may be able to fast for two consecutive days due to health issues or other valid reasons. In such cases, a person may choose to fast for one day, and it would still be a praiseworthy act. The emphasis on fasting both days is to follow the Prophetic tradition and receive the additional reward mentioned by the Prophet.
Ultimately, the decision to fast on one or both days should be made based on one's ability and circumstances, while keeping in mind the recommendation of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to fast on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram.
can we fast in muharam more than 10 to 15 days after 9 or 10 Muharram
Yes.