By Abdullahi bn Abdullateef

 With the sighting of the new moon the Islamic new year is ushered in. The first month Muharram, is a month of great reward and virtue. Muharram itself means `sacred' and is from those months which have been mentioned as sacred in the Holy Quraan. Almighty Allah states in the Holy Quraan:   "Four of them ( Zil-Qadah, Zil-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab) are sacred."  (Surah At-Tawbah:36)

 From out of the four sacred months, Muharram has been blessed with certain specific virtues:- The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu-Alayhi- Wasallam) said:   "The best of fasts besides the month of Ramadhan is the fasting of Allah's month of Muharram."  (Muslim)  In another Hadeeth, Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radhiyallahu-Anhu) reports: "that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu-Alayhi- Wasallam) said: "The one that keeps a fast in the month of Muharram will receive the reward of thirty fasts for each fast (in this sacred month)."  (Tabraani)

 Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, the one who fasts in these days out of his own will and choice is entitled to a great reward by Almighty Allah. The Hadith citied above signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are the most rewardable among the Nafl fasts i.e. the fasts one observes out of his own choice without being obligatory on him.   The Hadith does not mean that the reward promised for fasts of Muharram can only be attained by fasting for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit. Therefore, one should take advantage of this opportunity.

Although the month of Muharram is a sacred month as a whole, the 10th of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named 'Ashurah'. It is one of the most important and blessed days of Allah in the Islamic calendar.   According to the Holy companion, Ibn Abbas (Radhiallaho Anhu), when the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) migrated to Madinah, he found that the Jews of Madinah used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which the Holy Prophet Musa(Moses) (Alayhis Salaam) and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously, and the Pharaoh was drowned in its water. On hearing this from the Jews, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) said, "We are more closely related to Musa (Moses) than you." So the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) directed the Muslims to fast on the day of Ashura. (Abu Dawood)

 According to another Hadith, it is more advisable that the fast of Ashura should be either preceded or succeeding by an additional fast. It means that one should fast two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram or the 10th and 11th.  The reason of this additional fast as mentioned by the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) is that the Jews used to fast on the day of Ashura alone, and the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam wanted to distinguish the Islamic-way of fasting from that of the Jews. Therefore, he advised the Muslims to add another fast to the day of Ashura.

 Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radhiyallahu-Anhu) said:  "When Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) observed the fast of the day of Aashora and ordered (his Companions) to fast, they said: `O Rasulullah! It is a day revered (glorified) by the Jews and Christians.' Thereupon Rasulullah said: "The coming year, if Allah wills (I remain alive), I will for surely fast on the ninth (also)."  (Muslim)  These Ahadeeth indicate clearly that one should fast on the ninth and tenth of Muharram. However, if one does not manage to fast on the ninth, then he/she should fast on the eleventh of Muharram instead.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) said:  "Observe the fast of Aashora and oppose the Jews. Fast a day before it or a day after."  (Baihaqi)

 Hence, it is important to either fast on the ninth and the tenth or the tenth and the eleventh of Muharram. To fast only on the day of Aashora is Makrooh as stated by Allamah Ibn Aabideen Shaami.   One should be generous on one's family and dependants and spend more on them than what is normally spent.  Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) said:  "One who generously spends on his family on the day of Aashora, Allah will increase (his provision) for the whole year." (Baihaqi)

 Some Ulama (scholars) are of the opinion that before the fasts of Ramadhan were made compulsory, the fast of the day of Aashora was compulsory upon the Ummah.   This is stated in a Hadeeth reported by Hazrat Aisha (Radhiyallahu-Anha):  "that the Holy Prophet Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) ordered the observance of the fast of Aashora. However, when the fast of Ramadhan became compulsory, then whosoever wished, kept this fast and whosoever desired did not observe this fast."  (Bukhari)  But, nevertheless the Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi- Wasallam) continued to fast this day and encouraged his Companions to do the same.

 As a matter of fact, the true Muslim always takes the advantage of the blessed occasions and days of Islam. He spares no efforts in drawing himself nearer to Allah. In doing so, he concerns himself with knowing the virtuous days and occasions in Islam so as to follow his Prophet's suit in all spheres of life.  Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: "I never saw Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of `Ashura', and this month, meaning Ramadan." (Al-Bukhari, Hadith 1867)

  The Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) has exhorted and encouraged his Ummah to fast on this day. He said:  "This fast[Aahura] is a compensation for the (minor) sins of the past year."  (Muslim)  One should also observe the fast of the 9th Muharram to safeguard his deed from resemblance with the Non-Muslims who fast only on the 10th Muharram.

 In another hadith we are told that fasting the day of `Ashura‘ expiates the sins of the previous year as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "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." (Muslim)

 It is reported in the Sahih of Imam Al-Bukhari and other authentic collections of hadith that  The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram while they were in Makkah (before the hijrah).   It was a day on which people of Makkah used to change the covering (kiswah) of the Ka`bah. Quraysh also used to fast on this day. (Al-Bukhari, hadith 1489 and 1760)

 When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came to Madinah, he found that the Jews of Madinah also used to observe this day with fasting. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked them the reason of their fasting on this day. They said, "This is a blessed day. On this day Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy (in Egypt) and so Prophet Musa (Moses) (PBUH) fasted on this day giving thanks to Allah." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "We have more claim to (Moses) (PBUH) than you." He fasted on that day and commanded Muslims to fast on this day. (Al-Bukhari, hadith 1865)

 In another report it is mentioned that Jews of Madinah used to hold a feast on this day. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told his Companions to fast instead. (Al-Bukhari, hadith 1866)  `Ashura' fasting was obligatory (fard) in the beginning. In the second year of hijrah (624 CE) when Allah's command came that Muslims should fast the whole month of Ramadan, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) then sent someone to announce to people that fasting of `Ashura' had become voluntary (nafl). This indicates that whosoever wishes to fast, may fast and whosoever does not want to fast, there will be no blame on him/her.

 Imam At-Tirmidhi mentioned that ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say that “We should fast on two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram to distinguish ourselves from the Jewish community.” (At-Tirmidhi)  Ibn`Abbas also quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying, "If I live next year, I shall also fast on the 9th day." (MusnadAhmad ibnHanbal, hadith2002

 There is a great reward in fasting the day of `Ashura'. There are many hadiths that mention its blessings and virtues. It is good to fast on this day, although it is not obligatory.  Allah Almighty knows best.  These are the actions supported by Ahadeeth. Let us observe this great day according to the ways of Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) and the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu-Anhum), and refrain from all innovations which deprive us of the blessings from Almighty Allah.   May Allah guide us all upon the Straight Path and save us from every act which brings His displeasure.   Ameen.  For Reference/ more Study on Islam:  