Fasting in Muharram: Special rewards and significance

Fasting in Muharram: Special Rewards and Significance with Quran and Hadith References

Fasting is one of the most beloved acts of worship in Islam. It is a means of drawing closer to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) and attaining spiritual purity. The importance of fasting is particularly emphasized during certain times of the year, including the month of Muharram. Fasting in Muharram holds special significance, as it offers Muslims the opportunity to earn great rewards. Among the days of Muharram, the 10th day, known as Ashura, is the most important and carries deep spiritual and historical significance. This blog post will explore the rewards and significance of fasting in Muharram, especially on Ashura, with relevant Quranic verses and Hadith references in both Arabic and English.

The Significance of Muharram in Islam

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is one of the four sacred months in Islam. Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) says in the Quran:

إِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُورِ عِندَ اللَّهِ اثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا فِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ
Surah At-Tawbah, 9:36
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months in the book of Allah, from the day He created the heavens and the earth.”

Among these twelve months, Muharram is one of the most revered, and fasting during this month is highly recommended. The virtue of fasting during Muharram is primarily derived from the fasting on the 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura.

The Day of Ashura and Its Historical Significance

Ashura has great historical significance for Muslims. It is a day that is marked by several important events that took place in Islamic history. The most notable of these events is the rescue of Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites from the tyranny of Pharaoh. On this day, Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) parted the Red Sea, allowing Prophet Musa (عليه السلام) and his followers to escape and Pharaoh’s army to be drowned. This miraculous event is commemorated by Muslims as a day of gratitude and reflection.

In addition to this, the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (رضي الله عنه), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم), at the Battle of Karbala also occurred on the 10th of Muharram. This tragedy holds immense importance in the hearts of Muslims, particularly among Shia Muslims, as it represents the ultimate sacrifice in the name of justice, truth, and standing against oppression.

The Rewards of Fasting in Muharram

Fasting in Muharram, especially on the 10th day, carries immense rewards as indicated in both the Quran and Hadith. The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) spoke highly of fasting on Ashura, and it is regarded as a means of earning Allah’s forgiveness and blessing.

The Reward of Forgiveness for the Past Year

The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

“صِيَامُ يَوْمِ عَاشُورَاءَ إِنِّي أَحْتَسِبُ عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ يُكَفِّرَ السَّنَةَ الَّتِي قَبْلَهُ.”
Sahih Muslim
“Fasting on the Day of Ashura, I hope from Allah that it will expiate the sins of the previous year.”

This Hadith signifies that fasting on Ashura serves as a means of atoning for the sins committed in the previous year. Allah’s mercy is vast, and fasting on this day is an opportunity to purify oneself and seek forgiveness for past shortcomings. The reward is immense, as it encompasses the forgiveness of sins and the drawing of closer to Allah.

Following the Sunnah of the Prophets

Fasting on Ashura is not a new practice; it is a Sunnah of the Prophets, particularly Prophet Musa (عليه السلام). The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

“فَصَامَهُ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَأَمَرَ صَحَابَتَهُ بِصِيَامِهِ.”
Sahih Bukhari
“The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) fasted on this day and commanded his companions to fast as well.”

This Hadith demonstrates that fasting on Ashura was a practice of previous Prophets, particularly Prophet Musa (عليه السلام). By fasting on this day, Muslims follow the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and the other Prophets, which is a means of drawing closer to Allah and following the righteous path.

The Reward of Standing Against Oppression

The day of Ashura also commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه), who was killed for standing against injustice and oppression. His stand is a symbol of courage, faith, and sacrifice in the path of truth. While the day is one of sorrow and remembrance for Shia Muslims, it is also a day of reflection for all Muslims about the importance of standing up against oppression and injustice.

Imam Hussain’s sacrifice reminds Muslims of the importance of righteousness, truth, and justice in Islam. It encourages believers to reflect on their commitment to these values and to always strive for the betterment of society, even in the face of trials and hardship.

Fasting on Ashura and its Sunnah

Fasting on Ashura is not just limited to this day, but it is encouraged to also fast on the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th of Muharram. This serves as a way to distinguish the fast of Muslims from the fast of the Jews, who used to fast only on the 10th of Muharram. The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

“صَامَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَوْمَ عَاشُورَاءَ وَأَمَرَ صَحَابَتَهُ بِصِيَامِهِ وَقَالَ لَئِنْ بَقِيتُ إِلَى قَابِلٍ لَصُومَنَّ التَّاسِعَ.”
Sahih Muslim
“The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) fasted on the Day of Ashura and commanded his companions to fast. He said, ‘If I remain alive until the next year, I will fast on the 9th [of Muharram].'”

This Hadith highlights the importance of fasting both the 9th and 10th of Muharram, as it was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) to fast on these two days. By fasting on both days, Muslims not only earn rewards but also emulate the Prophet’s actions.

The Virtue of Fasting in Muharram: A Reward for the Year Ahead

Fasting on Ashura, particularly when combined with fasting the 9th or 11th of Muharram, carries exceptional spiritual benefits. One of the most significant virtues of fasting during this time is that it is a means of receiving Allah’s mercy and forgiveness for the entire year. The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) emphasized that fasting the Day of Ashura provides spiritual purification and atonement for sins:

“من صام يوم عاشوراء غفر له سنة.”
Sahih Muslim
“Whoever fasts the day of Ashura, his sins of the past year will be forgiven.”

This Hadith emphasizes the great reward associated with fasting on Ashura. The forgiveness of sins from the previous year is a powerful reminder of Allah’s mercy and compassion for His servants. For Muslims, fasting during this time provides an opportunity to purify their hearts and seek forgiveness for any mistakes or sins committed during the previous year.

Additional Acts of Worship on Ashura

In addition to fasting, the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) encouraged Muslims to engage in other acts of worship on Ashura, such as giving charity. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

“من وسع على نفسه وأهله في يوم عاشوراء وسع الله عليه سائر سنته.”
Sunan Ibn Majah
“Whoever is generous and provides for his family on the Day of Ashura, Allah will provide for him throughout the year.”

This Hadith encourages Muslims to increase their generosity and provide for their families on this blessed day. Charity is a means of purifying wealth and bringing blessings into one’s life. By giving charity on Ashura, Muslims not only help those in need but also earn immense rewards from Allah.

The Historical Importance of Ashura in Islam

Ashura holds a significant place in Islamic history, as it marks several key events that reflect Allah’s mercy, justice, and the importance of standing up for truth. The Day of Ashura commemorates the following:

• The deliverance of Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites from Pharaoh’s tyranny.
• The martyrdom of Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) at the Battle of Karbala, a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and resistance against oppression.

The remembrance of these events serves as a reminder for Muslims to stay firm in their faith, uphold justice, and strive for righteousness in all aspects of life.

Conclusion

Fasting on the Day of Ashura and throughout the month of Muharram is an act of worship that carries immense rewards and spiritual benefits. The fast on Ashura is not only a means of earning forgiveness for the previous year’s sins but also an opportunity to emulate the righteous examples set by Prophet Musa (عليه السلام) and the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). It serves as a reminder of the importance of standing against oppression and injustice, as demonstrated by the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه).

By observing fasting during Muharram, Muslims strengthen their connection with Allah (سبحانه وتعالى), purify their souls, and earn the blessings of this sacred month. It is a time to reflect on the lessons of the past, seek forgiveness, and renew one’s commitment to the path of righteousness.

May Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) grant us the ability to fast during Muharram, particularly on Ashura, and accept our acts of worship.