The Day of Ashura — the 10th of Muharram — is one of the most blessed days of the Islamic calendar. The Prophet ﷺ called it a day when Allah saved Prophet Musa (AS) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh, and recommended fasting on this day to express gratitude.
What is Ashura?
Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is a day of immense historical and spiritual significance:
- Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel from the tyranny of Pharaoh
- The sea was parted, drowning Pharaoh and his army
- Many other prophets were saved on this day according to Islamic tradition
- It is one of the four sacred months when righteous deeds are especially rewarded
The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best fasting after Ramadan is in the month of Muharram, and the best prayer after the obligatory prayer is the night prayer (Tahajjud)." (Sahih Muslim)
The Hadith on Ashura
When the Prophet ﷺ migrated to Madinah, he found the Jewish people fasting on the 10th of Muharram. When he asked why, they said: "This is the day when Allah saved Musa and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh, so we fast to honor it."
The Prophet ﷺ said: "We have more right to Musa than you do." He then fasted on that day and ordered the Companions to fast as well. (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)
The Prophet ﷺ also said: "Whoever fasts on the day of Ashura, it is as if he has fasted the entire year. And whoever fasts six days of Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted the entire year." (Sahih Muslim)
The Sunnah of Fasting Two Days
Later, the Prophet ﷺ recommended fasting either the 9th and 10th of Muharram, or the 10th and 11th, to distinguish the Muslims from the People of the Book. The reasoning was:
"If I live until next year, I will fast the 9th of Muharram as well." (Sahih Muslim)
So the recommended practice is to fast two days — either the 9th and 10th, or the 10th and 11th of Muhurram. This is the safer course and the practice of the majority of scholars.
The Significance of Muharram
Muharram is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran:
"Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred..." (Surah At-Tawbah 9:36)
The Prophet ﷺ said: "The year is twelve months, four of which are sacred: three consecutive — Dhul Qa'dah, Dhul Hijjah, and Muharram — and one standalone, Rajab." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
During the sacred months, righteous deeds carry multiplied reward, and sins are more severe. Fasting in Muharram is among the best of voluntary fasts after Ramadan.
What to Do on the Day of Ashura
1. Fast the Day
The primary Sunnah of Ashura is fasting. If possible, also fast the day before (9th) or the day after (11th) to follow the Prophet's ﷺ recommendation.
2. Give Charity Generously
Charity on Ashura carries special reward. The Prophet ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was at his most generous during the sacred months.
3. Spend Time in Worship
Increase in Quran recitation, dhikr, du'a, and night prayer. Make this day a day of spiritual renewal and connection with Allah.
4. Reflect on Allah's Mercy
Ashura reminds us of Allah's power to save His servants from the greatest trials. Reflect on your own challenges and ask Allah for relief.
5. Maintain Family Ties
Visit your family, strengthen your relationships, and resolve conflicts. Make Ashura a day of love and connection, not just worship.
6. Be Kind to Others
Especially help those who are struggling. The Prophet ﷺ said: "The most beloved deeds to Allah are those most consistent, even if small."
Important Clarifications
Mourning Practices are Not Islamic
Some communities observe Ashura as a day of mourning for historical events. Islam does not sanction mourning rituals that involve self-harm, excessive lamentation, or innovation in worship. The Prophet ﷺ forbade mourning rituals that contradict Islamic teachings.
Fasting is Recommended, Not Obligatory
Unlike Ramadan, fasting on Ashura is a Sunnah mu'akkadah (strongly recommended but not obligatory). It is a missed opportunity for those who don't fast, but not a sin.
The Day is About Gratitude
The essence of Ashura is gratitude to Allah for His countless blessings and His salvation of the believers throughout history. Fast, pray, give charity, and praise Allah.
Historical Significance: Ashura is also significant because it commemorates other events in Islamic history — including the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (RA), the grandson of the Prophet ﷺ, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE (61 AH). While this is a tragic event, our response should be measured by Islamic principles — not extreme mourning or innovation.
A Du'a for Ashura
"O Allah, on this blessed day of Ashura, forgive our sins, accept our repentance, grant us Your mercy, and protect us from trials. Bless our families, our Ummah, and all of humanity. Make this day a means of drawing closer to You and a beginning of righteousness. Ameen."
A Final Word: Ashura is a day to remember Allah's mercy, to fast and pray, to give charity, and to express gratitude. Make it a day of renewal and a turning point toward greater devotion. May Allah accept your fast and grant you His mercy.