The virtue of fasting on Ashura is one of the most spiritually enriching Sunnahs of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It is a day tied to divine mercy, historic deliverance, and sincere devotion.
He ﷺ said,
“If I live till the next year, I will surely fast on the ninth as well.”
— Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1134
When the Prophet ﷺ migrated to Madinah, he observed the Jews fasting on the 10th of Muharram. Upon inquiring, he was informed that this was the day Allah had saved Prophet Musa (عليه السلام) and the Children of Israel from the tyranny of Pharaoh. In gratitude, Musa (عليه السلام) fasted on this day.
The Prophet ﷺ responded:
“We are closer to Musa than they are.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2004
So he fasted on that day himself and encouraged the Muslims to do the same. From that moment, fasting on Ashura became a deeply rooted Sunnah — a day not only of historical remembrance but of spiritual renewal.
A Day That Erases Sins
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope, will expiate the sins of the previous year.”
— Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1162
This shows the reward of this voluntary fast. It is a means of wiping away minor sins, elevating one’s status, and earning the pleasure of Allah ﷻ.
Yet, in his wisdom and foresight, the Prophet ﷺ also said:
“If I am still alive next year, I will certainly fast the ninth as well.”
— Mishkat al-Masabih 2041
He intended to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, to differentiate the Muslim practice from that of the Jews. This prophetic wisdom reflects the principle of ikhtilāf (being distinct in religious practice) while upholding the legacy of Musa (عليه السلام).
Why Is Ashura Special in Islam?
Ashura falls in the sacred month of Muharram, which the Prophet ﷺ called:
“The month of Allah.”
— Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1163
Allah ﷻ says in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months in the register of Allah from the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred…”
— Surah At-Tawbah, 9:36
Muharram is among these sacred months, and Ashura is its highlight.
How Should a Muslim Observe Ashura?
The Sunnah practice includes:
✅ Fasting on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura)
✅ Fasting on the 9th as well (Tasu’a), to distinguish from the Jewish practice
✅ Engaging in dhikr, du’a, and gratitude
✅ Reflecting on the trials and triumphs of Prophet Musa (عليه السلام)
Fasting on Ashura is a reminder that Allah rescues the believers, even from the darkest depths of tyranny. It is a celebration of divine justice, of truth overcoming falsehood — and of Allah’s unwavering support to His righteous servants.
Final Reflection: A Day of Legacy and Loyalty
The day of Ashura calls us not only to fast but to remember our spiritual lineage, from Musa (عليه السلام) to Muhammad ﷺ. It is a time to renew our faith, to thank Allah for His countless mercies, and to seek purification through sincere acts of worship.
As the Prophet ﷺ honored this day and sought to perfect it, so too must we revive this Sunnah — not as a ritual, but as an act of heartfelt devotion.
