Fatwa Regarding Day of Ashura

The word Ashura means simply tenth in Arabic; hence the name of the remembrance, literally translated, means “the tenth day”. The Day of Ashura is on the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar and marks the climax of the Remembrance of Muharram. The tenth day of Muharram is called Yaumul- ‘Ashura, meaning, ‘the tenth day’, and it is a day of voluntary fasting.

The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) was asked about fasting on the Day of Ashura(10th of Muharram). He answered: “It atones for the sins of the preceding year.” (Reported by Muslim)

“Fasting the day of Ashura (is of great merits). I hope that Allah will accept it as an expiation for (the sins committed in) the previous year.” (Reported by Muslim)

It is reported in Saheeh al-Bukharee, when Allaah’s Messenger (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa-sallam) came to Madeenah, he saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He said: ‘What is this?’ They said: ‘This is the day when Allaah saved Moosa from drowning, so we fast on this day.’ Then he said: “We have more right to Moosa than you.” So he (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa-sallam) fasted on this day and advised the Muslims to do the same.

Also, Ibn Abbas (radhi Allaahu anhu) narrated: “When Allah’s Messenger (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa-sallam) observed the fast of the day of Ashura and ordered (the Sahabah) to fast, they said: “O Messenger of Allaah! It is a day revered by Jews and Christians.” Allaah’s Messenger (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa-sallam) said: “The coming year, if Allah wills, we will fast on the ninth (also). But the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) died before the advent of the next year ” [Saheeh Muslim, vol: 1, p: 359]

Ibn Abbas (radhi Allaahu anhu) also reported: “I never saw the Prophet more keen to fast on any day other than the day of Ashura and any month than the month of Ramadan.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee]

The phrase ‘more keen’ of Ibn Abbas (radhi Allaahu anhu) indicates that the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa-sallam) looked forward to fast on the day of Ashura in order to earn the reward for doing so, he Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa-sallam): “Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope will be an expiation of sins for the year before.” [Saheeh Muslim v: 1, p: 368]

Thus, the day of Ashura is mercy from Allah and an opportunity for one to get his sins forgiven. It is recommended for the Muslim Ummah to fast both the tenth and the ninth of Muharram since Allah’s Messenger (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa-sallam) fasted the tenth and intended to fast the ninth.

Ahmad said: If there is confusion about the beginning of the month, one should fast for three days, to be sure of fasting on the ninth and tenth days. (Al-Mughni by Ibn Qudamah, Part 3; Al-Siyam; Ashura).

What is obligatory upon the Muslim to do on the day of ‘Ashura.. (tenth day of Muharram), and is Zakaat al-Fitr obligatory (on that day)?

Response: It is legislated for the Muslim to fast on the day of ‘Ashura, for that which has been confirmed that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) ordered fasting on (the day of) ‘Ashura., however, when (the fasting of) Ramadan was obligated, whoever preferred to fast (‘Ashura.) did so and whoever preferred not to (do so) did not. And there is no Zakaat al-Fitr (to be paid) on the day of ‘Ashura there is on `Eed al-Fitr after the month of Ramadan.

And with Allah lies all the success, and may Allah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.

[The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa, comprising -
Head: Shaykh 'Abdul 'Azeez ibn Abdullaah ibn Baaz;
Deputy Head: Shaykh 'Abdur-Razzaaq 'Afeefee;
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah Ibn Ghudayyaan
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-'Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. - Volume 10, Page 400, Fatwa No.10962]

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Is it permissible to fast ‘Ashura. just one day?

Response: It is permissible to fast the day of ‘Ashura. (tenth day of Muharram) just one day, however, it is better to fast the day before it or the day after it (also) and this is the established Sunnah of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) who said:

((If I am (still) here next year, then certainly I shall fast the ninth (day of Muharram))), [(reported by) Muslim, Ahmad, Ibn Maajah, Ibn Abee Shaybah, at-Tahaawee, al-Bayhaqee and al-Baghawee]. Ibn ‘Abbaass (radhi-yallaahu ‘anhumaa) said:

((along with the tenth (day of Muharram))).

And with Allah lies all the success, and may Allah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.

[The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa, comprising -
Head: Shaykh 'Abdul 'Azeez ibn Abdullaah ibn Baaz;
Deputy Head: Shaykh 'Abdur-Razzaaq 'Afeefee;
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah Ibn Ghudayyaan
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-'Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. - Volume 10, Page 401, Fatwa No.13700]

Abu Hurayrah (radhi-yAllaahu ‘anhu) said: The Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) said: ((The best of fasting after Ramadan is fasting Allah’s month of Muharram)), reported by Muslim.

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