Importance of Ashura Fasting in Islam: Quranic and Hadith Perspectives

Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, holds profound significance in Islam, blending historical events with spiritual practices. It is a day marked by the mercy of Allah, as seen in the salvation of Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh’s tyranny. For Muslims, fasting on Ashura is an act of gratitude, piety, and renewal of faith, deeply rooted in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

The Quran highlights the importance of fasting as a means to attain righteousness:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said about Ashura:

صِيَامُ يَوْمِ عَاشُورَاءَ، أَحْتَسِبُ عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ يُكَفِّرَ السَّنَةَ الَّتِي قَبْلَهُ
“Fasting on the day of Ashura, I hope, will expiate the sins of the previous year.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1162)

This introduction sets the stage for exploring the spiritual, historical, and devotional aspects of Ashura fasting, emphasizing its rewards and timeless relevance.

Historical Background of Ashura

The term “Ashura” is derived from the Arabic word “عَشَرَة,” meaning ten, signifying the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This day is historically significant for multiple reasons:

• The Victory of Musa (AS) Over Pharaoh
  One of the key events associated with Ashura is the miraculous deliverance of Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) and the Children of Israel from the tyranny of Pharaoh. This was a day of triumph for truth and justice.
• The Tragedy of Karbala
  In later Islamic history, Ashura became a day of solemn reflection due to the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), at Karbala in 680 CE. While the focus of fasting is primarily tied to earlier Prophetic traditions, this event added layers of significance to the day.

Fasting on Ashura in the Quran

While the Quran does not explicitly mention Ashura fasting, the general encouragement of fasting as a form of devotion and a means to attain righteousness is emphasized:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

This verse underscores the universal nature of fasting as a spiritual exercise practiced by previous Prophets and their communities. Ashura fasting aligns with this tradition, linking Muslims to the devout practices of Prophet Musa (AS) and others.

Fasting on Ashura in Hadith

The practice of fasting on Ashura is directly mentioned in several authentic Hadiths. These narrations highlight its significance and provide guidance on how Muslims should approach this day.

The Prophet’s Acknowledgment of Musa’s (AS) Victory

When the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) migrated to Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. Upon inquiring, they explained that it was the day Allah saved Prophet Musa (AS) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. In response, the Prophet (ﷺ) affirmed its importance and expressed his connection to Musa (AS):

عَنْ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ قَالَ: قَدِمَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ الْمَدِينَةَ فَرَأَى الْيَهُودَ تَصُومُ يَوْمَ عَاشُورَاءَ، فَقَالَ: مَا هَذَا؟ قَالُوا: هَذَا يَوْمٌ صَالِحٌ، هَذَا يَوْمٌ نَجَّى اللَّهُ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ مِنْ عَدُوِّهِمْ، فَصَامَهُ مُوسَى. فَقَالَ: أَنَا أَحَقُّ بِمُوسَى مِنْكُمْ، فَصَامَهُ وَأَمَرَ بِصِيَامِهِ.

“When the Prophet (ﷺ) came to Madinah, he saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He asked, ‘What is this?’ They said, ‘This is a righteous day. It is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy, so Musa fasted on this day.’ The Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘We have more right to Musa than you.’ So he fasted on that day and commanded [the Muslims] to fast.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2004; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1130)

Expiation of Sins

Fasting on Ashura is highly recommended as it serves as an expiation for minor sins committed in the previous year.

عَنْ أَبِي قَتَادَةَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: صِيَامُ يَوْمِ عَاشُورَاءَ، أَحْتَسِبُ عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ يُكَفِّرَ السَّنَةَ الَّتِي قَبْلَهُ.
“The fasting on the day of Ashura, I hope, will expiate the sins of the previous year.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1162)

This Hadith emphasizes the spiritual reward and mercy associated with fasting on Ashura. It serves as an opportunity for Muslims to seek forgiveness and draw closer to Allah.

Differentiating from Other Traditions

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encouraged fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram to distinguish the Islamic practice from that of other communities:

عَنْ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: لَئِنْ بَقِيتُ إِلَى قَابِلٍ لَأَصُومَنَّ التَّاسِعَ.
“If I remain [alive] till the next year, I shall also fast on the 9th [of Muharram].”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1134)

This highlights the importance of distinguishing Islamic practices and adding depth to one’s devotion during this sacred time.

Spiritual Lessons from Ashura

Gratitude to Allah

Ashura reminds Muslims to express gratitude to Allah for His blessings and deliverance. The fasting on this day reflects the gratitude shown by Prophet Musa (AS) and endorsed by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Forgiveness and Mercy

The opportunity for expiation of sins through fasting demonstrates Allah’s immense mercy. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek forgiveness and purify their souls.

Unity of Prophetic Missions

The observance of Ashura fasting emphasizes the continuity of divine guidance and the unity of all Prophets in calling toward monotheism and righteousness.

Reflection on Sacrifice and Struggle

Ashura also serves as a day to reflect on the sacrifices made by earlier Prophets and the legacy of Imam Hussain (RA) in standing against oppression.

Practical Tips for Observing Ashura

• Fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram
  To follow the Sunnah and differentiate from other traditions, Muslims are encouraged to fast on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram.
• Increase Worship and Good Deeds
  Utilize this blessed time to engage in extra prayers, Quran recitation, and acts of charity.
• Reflect on History and Lessons
  Take time to study and reflect on the historical events tied to Ashura, including the victory of truth and the sacrifices made in Islamic history.

Conclusion: Importance of Ashura fasting

The fasting on Ashura is a profound act of devotion that carries immense spiritual rewards. Rooted in the practices of the Prophets, particularly Musa (AS), and endorsed by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), it is an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on their faith, seek forgiveness, and strengthen their connection with Allah. The Quran underscores fasting as a means to attain righteousness:

وَأَنْ تَصُومُوا خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
“And to fast is better for you, if you only knew.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:184)

The Prophet (ﷺ) highlighted the immense virtue of fasting on this day:

صِيَامُ يَوْمِ عَاشُورَاءَ، أَحْتَسِبُ عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ يُكَفِّرَ السَّنَةَ الَّتِي قَبْلَهُ
“Fasting on the day of Ashura, I hope, will expiate the sins of the previous year.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1162)

Beyond fasting, Ashura serves as a day of gratitude, remembrance, and unity, linking Muslims with the legacy of earlier Prophets and their unwavering reliance on Allah. It reminds us to live lives of piety, justice, and reflection. May we make the most of this blessed day, seek Allah’s forgiveness, and reap the countless rewards it offers. آمين.

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