Fasting in Muharram
Experience the virtues of fasting on and around Ashura.
Ibn Abbas (ra) said, “I never saw Allah’s Messenger (saw) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of Ashura, and this month, meaning Ramadan” (Bukhari).
The blessings and benefits that come along with fasting are bountiful and our beloved Prophet (saw) wholeheartedly welcomed each of his fasts in Ramadan and Muharram, encouraging others to do the same.
Everyone knows the rewards for fasting during the month of Ramadan, but it seems as though the motivation behind Muharram fasting on the ninth, tenth and eleventh of the month are lesser known.
Why do we fast on these days? Do we even need to fast on the day of Ashura at all? This article has the answers! Fasting on the day of Ashura is a wonderful deed and here you can read more about fasting in Muharram and the virtues of fasting on and around Ashura.
Muharram Fasting
Unlike Ramadan, fasting on Ashura is not compulsory for any Muslim.
"The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: 'The best of fasting after Ramadan is fasting Allah's month of Muharram.'" (Muslim) The Prophet (saw) encourages us to take up a fast during Muharram, on the 9th and 10th (or 10th and 11th) days of the month.
The Prophet himself fasted on the 10th, the day of Ashura, and had fully intended to take up a fast the following year on the 9th, but he passed away before he could.
Why We Fast on the Day of Ashura
The 10th day of Muharram, the day of Ashura, marks many important events in our Islamic history; it is a day of reflection and remembrance. Many of us observe this day by taking up a fast, but why?
On the day of Ashura, we remember the Prophet Musa (as), who freed the slaves in Egypt and escaped the clutches of the Egyptian tyrant when Allah (swt) defeated the Pharaoh and his soldiers by parting the Red Sea for them to cross into freedom.
Musa (as) fought oppression and spoke out against the false worship of the Egyptian Pharaoh, who claimed that he himself was divine. Allah (swt) rewarded the Prophet Musa’s (as) steadfast belief and dedication by liberating him and the Children of Israel on the day of Ashura.
Each year on this day, Musa (as) would fast as a way of giving thanks to Allah (swt) for this great liberation.
Al-Tirmidhi mentions that Ibn Abbass (ra) used to say that we should fast on two days to recognise our closeness to Musa (as) above others.
The Day of Ashura was also the day that Imam Hussain (ra) was martyred for standing strong in his moral beliefs against Yazid. Imam Hussain (ra) was killed in The Battle of Karbala defending his people against an army of 30,000 soldiers.
The Prophet’s (saw) grandson fought nobly for his innocent friends and relatives, bravely defending their dignity, and fell in battle protecting those he loved and the morality he stood for.
The 10th of Muharram is also the day that Nuh’s (as) ark landed on Mount Judiyy when the Great Flood subsided. The Prophet Nuh (as) warned his people to stop their worship of false idols and the sinful ways they had taken up, but they refused to listen to him, and in doing so refused the word of Allah (swt).
As a result, Allah (swt) told Nuh (as) to build an ark, gather pairs of every animal and bring his family and a group of loyal believers aboard it. Allah (swt) then brought about the Great Flood.
Nuh (as) fasted on the 10th of Muharram in thanksgiving for Allah’s (swt) Mercy and Blessings. On the day of Ashura, we remember his devotion to Allah (swt).
These momentous events all occurred on the 10th day of Muharram and many Muslims fast on the day of Ashura to commemorate the devotion of Musa (as), the death of Imam Hussain (ra), and the obedience of Nuh (as).
The Prophet Muhammad (saw) fasted on the 10th of Muharram to honour Musa’s (as) dedication to Allah (swt) and to show devotion himself.
The Virtues of Muharram Fasting
Fasting on the Day of Ashura offers spiritual redemption and allows you the opportunity to wipe your slate clean of any minor sins that you may have accumulated in the last year. Allah (swt) in all his Omnipotent Glory will clear away any of your minor sins if you are committed to your fast and truly repent on the day of Ashura.
The Prophet (saw) said, "Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope that Allah will accept it as an expiation for (the sins committed in) the previous year." (Muslim), but be advised that, while fasting on this day will atone for your sins in the past year, it will not make up for needlessly skipping your fasts throughout Ramadan, disregarding your daily prayers or partaking in any major sins.
Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity for redemption this Muharram; take up your fast in this month with reverence and remembrance! Allah (swt) in all His mercy will surely absolve your sins and allow you to go into the New Year with a clean slate.
In addition to fasting this Muharram, you can honour the actions of Imam Hussain (ra) as he took a stand against tyranny, by building a well in the name of the Prophet (saw), Fatimah (ra), Ali (ra), Imam Hasan (ra) or Imam Hussain (ra).
SUNDAY 8 SEP 2019
