The Day of Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram, is a day of profound gratitude in Islam. It commemorates Allah’s salvation of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his people from Pharaoh, a legacy the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) honored by fasting.

This act connects us to a shared history of faith and deliverance, reminding us of Allah’s power and mercy. How can we, in our own lives, connect with this powerful tradition of gratitude and earn its immense rewards?

The Day of Ashura holds both a linguistic and historical significance that predates its formal observance in Madinah. Understanding these roots helps us appreciate its depth.

Linguistically, the word Ashura is derived from the Arabic word ‘asharah, which means “ten.” It directly refers to the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. This naming is simple and direct, pointing to the specific day of its observance.

Even before the Prophet’s (صلى الله عليه وسلم) migration to Madinah, the Day of Ashura was recognized. The tribe of Quraysh in Makkah used to fast on this day. It was also the day on which they would change the kiswah (the cloth covering) of the Kaaba. This existing practice highlights that the day was considered significant even in pre-Islamic Arabian tradition.

Reference: Sahih Al Bukhari, Hadith 1489 and 1760.

The primary reason for the observance of Ashura in Islam comes directly from the practice and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) after he reached Madinah.

The foundational event for the Islamic observance of Ashura occurred when the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) arrived in Madinah. He found the local Jewish community fasting on this day. Upon inquiring about the reason, he was told about its significance.

It is narrated by Ibn Abbas that: “When the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) arrived at Madinah, the Jews were observing the fast on Ashura, and they said, ‘This is the day when Moses became victorious over Pharaoh.’ On that, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said to his companions,

‘You (Muslims) have more right to celebrate Moses’ victory than they have, so observe the fast on this day.”

Reference:
– Sahih Al-Bukhari #4680

The Prophet’s (صلى الله عليه وسلم) statement, “We have more right to Moses than you,” establishes a powerful link between the communities of faith. Fasting on the Day of Ashura is therefore:

• An act of gratitude (shukr) to Allah for saving Prophet Musa (عليه السلام) and the Children of Israel from the tyranny of Pharaoh.
• A recognition of the brotherhood of all prophets and that they all came with the same core message of worshipping one God.
• A revival of a righteous tradition, purified and affirmed under the final message of Islam.

By fasting, Muslims connect themselves to this historical chain of monotheism and divine victory, acknowledging Allah’s help for the righteous throughout time.

Fasting on the Day of Ashura is not only a commemoration but also a significant act of worship that carries immense blessings and rewards for the believer.

One of the most celebrated virtues of this fast is its power to wipe away past sins. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was asked about fasting on the Day of Ashura, and he said:

“It expiates the sins of the preceding year.”

Reference: Sahih Muslim 1162 (b)

Scholars have clarified that this expiation primarily applies to minor sins. Major sins require specific and sincere repentance (tawbah) to be forgiven. Nonetheless, the opportunity to have a full year of minor faults cleared is a tremendous mercy from Allah.

By observing the Ashura fast, a Muslim directly follows the practice (Sunnah) of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). Acting upon and reviving the Sunnah is an expression of love and obedience, and it brings a person closer to Allah. Every act of Sunnah is an opportunity to earn reward and affirm one’s commitment to the Prophetic path. To deepen your connection, consider learning about other recommended fasts in our detailed guide to Sunnah fasting.

While the primary fast is on the 10th of Muharram, it is also highly recommended to fast on the 9th day, known as Tasu‘a

Towards the end of his life, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) expressed a clear intention to add the 9th day to his fast of Ashura. Ibn Abbas reported that when the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) fasted on Ashura and commanded the Muslims to fast, they said,

“O Messenger of Allah, it is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.”

The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

“If I live to see the next year, I will fast the ninth day as well.”

However, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) passed away before the following year.

Reference: Sahih Muslim 1134 (a)

The desire to fast on the 9th day stems from a general principle in Islam to distinguish its rituals from those of other faith communities. By fasting on the 9th and 10th, Muslims maintain the core reason for the fast – gratitude for the salvation of Prophet Musa (عليه السلام) – while establishing a unique Islamic expression of this observance.

Therefore, the most complete way to observe the Sunnah is to fast both days:

• The 9th of Muharram (Tasu‘a)
• The 10th of Muharram (Ashura)

Fasting only on the 10th is still valid and virtuous, but combining it with the 9th is better.

Understanding the practical rulings related to the Ashura fast helps ensure it is performed correctly and with confidence

Yes, historical evidence shows that fasting on the Day of Ashura was initially obligatory (fard) for Muslims. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported:

(The tribe of) Quraish used to fast on the day of Ashura’ in the Pre-Islamic period, and then Allah’s Apostle ordered (Muslims) to fast on it till the fasting in the month of Ramadan was prescribed; whereupon the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “He who wants to fast (on ‘Ashura’) may fast, and he who does not want to fast may not fast.

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1893

This shows the transition of the Ashura fast from a requirement to a highly recommended voluntary (Sunnah) fast.

The intention (niyyah) is the cornerstone of any act of worship.

• For a voluntary fast like Ashura, the intention does not have to be made the night before.
• It is permissible to make the intention on the morning of the fast up to midday (zawal), as long as you have not consumed any food, drink, or done anything else that breaks a fast since Fajr (dawn).

This is a mercy from Allah, making it easier for those who may have forgotten to make the intention the night before.

Scholars hold two recognised views, and there is no unanimous consensus:

• Separate the two (cautious view). Many Maliki and Hanbali jurists — and some Shafi‘i — advise making up the missed Ramadan fast on its own day and observing the voluntary Ashura fast on a different day. This removes all doubt and guarantees the full reward of each act.
• One fast, double reward (permissible view). Hanafi scholars, a number of Shafi‘i jurists, and several contemporary fatwa panels state that if a person fasts the 10th of Muharram with the primary intention of qada, he may also hope for the reward of Ashura — because “deeds are by intentions,” and a single act of worship can carry more than one voluntary intention.

Practical tip: If you want the safest route, finish your missed Ramadan days first and then add an extra voluntary fast for Ashura. If time is limited, many reliable scholars allow one fast with the qada intention while hoping for the Ashura reward.

We have put the essentials on one clear page – fast, pray, dhikr, charity, and three beautiful Quranic duas, for you to print or save on your phone.