Fasting With Purpose: Compassion and Thirst Relief in Muharram

In a world full of glaring disparities, the gap between the haves and have nots now appears wider than ever. For some, food items can be thrown away without even a second thought, while millions around the world cannot afford to feed themselves and their families the most basic of meals. In our faith, the act of fasting acts not only as self-discipline, cleansing and devotion, but also to empathise with those across the world who spend their daily lives battling hunger. 

Fasting in Islam, particularly during significant times like Ramadan and the Day of Ashura, is a profound act that encompasses deep emotional, spiritual and physical dimensions, each contributing to the holistic well-being of an individual. It is a form of worship that extends beyond physical abstinence of food, water and carnal desires because it is a deeply personal act that is performed purely for the sake of becoming closer to Allah (SWT). This heightened state of mindfulness cultivates ‘Taqwa’, encouraging us to live a life that is pleasing to the Creator. The Day of Ashura will take place on Tuesday 16th July this year.  

Let’s understand how fasting on the blessed Day of Ashura is a highly meritorious act. 

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) has often emphasised on the importance of fasting and expressing gratitude to the Creator by caring for His creations. On one such occasion, a man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said: ‘Which fasting is better after the month of Ramadan?’ Our noble Prophet (ﷺ) replied: ‘The month of Allah (SWT) which is called Muharram.’ [Ibn Majah] 

The month of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, holds many virtues with fasting, charity, and prayer, presenting additional values and being highly rewarded.  The month provides a great opportunity to seek the inner strength that comes from the nearness to Allah (SWT) for Muslims in general. 

One of the hadith that underscores the spiritual benefit and cleansing associated with observing the fast on this day suggest that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) has stated: “For fasting the Day of Ashura, I hope that Allah (SWT) will accept it as expiation for the year that went before.” [Muslim] 

However, it is important to note that this expiation of minor sins comes only if you avoid major sins. It is a big mistake to rely on fasting a single day to free you of your sins. If you neglect your daily prayers or the obligatory fast of Ramadan, or if you backbite, lie, commit adultery or other major sins, fasting on Ashura alone will not atone for your sins. Allah (SWT) knows best.  

According to scholars, you may choose to fast Ashura on three days (ninth, tenth, and eleventh); two days (ninth and tenth); or one day only (the tenth). When the Prophet (ﷺ) arrived in Madinah in 622 CE, he found that the Jews there fasted on Muharram 10 and asked them the reason for their fasting on this day. They said, “This is a blessed day. On this day Allah (SWT) saved the Children of Israel from their enemy in Egypt and so Prophet Musa (AS) fasted on this day giving thanks to Allah (SWT).” The Prophet (ﷺ) advised the Ummah to fast on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram the following year to be different from the people of the book, although he (ﷺ) passed away before this time came. 

The Prophet (ﷺ) once said: “The fasting person has two joys: one when he breaks his fast, and the other when he meets his Lord.” [Muslim]. The Prophet (ﷺ) is also reported to have said, “Fast, and you shall have good health.” [Ahmad] 

Apart from being one of the most beautiful means for developing one’s willpower, resilience and patience, fasting is a private matter between the servant and his Lord. This is why Allah (SWT) says, in the divine hadith (Hadith Qudsi): “Every action of the son of Adam is his, except for fasting. It is Mine, and it is I who reward it.” [Bukhari and Muslim] 

As we Muslims fast, we might experience thirst, albeit temporarily, not realising the extent of thirst experienced by almost 2.2 billion people around the world that still lack access to safe drinking water. The moment we break our fast with a sip of water, we are reminded of its indispensable role in our physical and spiritual well-being, which in turn, connects us to the millions who endure chronic water shortages, making our fast not just an act of personal piety but a call to humanitarian action. 

At Penny Appeal, we have built over 44,000 wells around the world providing the gift of water to communities thanks to our invaluable donors. This Ashura, let us honour the spirit of sacrifice and demonstrate our love for Allah (SWT) by helping to ensure that every person has access to water that is clean and safe – Insha'Allah! 

Get involved with our Thirst Relief projects today and give the best charity throughout these blessed days of Muharram.