ASHURAA!

TARIC Islamic Centre- Toronto and Region Islamic Congregation

Fasting in Muharram
The month of Allaah (Muharram) is a great and blessed month. It is the first month of the Hijri year and is one of the sacred months.
When the Messenger of Allaah ﷺ came to Medina and he found the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Ashura. The Prophet ﷺ said, “What is this day you are fasting?” They said, “This is a great day in which Allaah saved Moses (on whom be peace) and his people, and He drowned Pharaoh and his people. Moses (on whom be peace) fasted on it due to gratitude, so we also fast on it.” The Prophet ﷺ said, “We are more deserving and are closer to Moses than you.” The Prophet ﷺ fasted the day of Ashura and he commanded fasting on it. Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
The significance of the 10th of Muharram was such, that it was obligatory to fast on this day. The Prophet ﷺ and the companions (may Allaah be pleased with them) would fast on this day before the obligation was abrogated by the obligatory fast of Ramadan.
Thus, according to some scholars, you may choose one of the three ways to fast in observance of ‘Ashura as follows:
a) One day only (Muharram 10 - Thursday, August 19).
b) Or two days (Muharram 9 and 10 - Wednesday, August 18 and Thursday August 19).
c) Or three days (Muharram 9, 10, and 11 - Wednesday, August 18 and Thursday August 19, and Friday August 20).
The Prophet ﷺ said, "Fasting the day of 'Ashura (is of great merits), I hope that Allaah will accept it as an expiation for (the sins committed in) the previous year." Sahih Muslim
The virtues of Muharram are many and anyone who is able, should strive to earn the extra rewards available in this sacred month. The Prophet ﷺ prescribed fasting as a means of piling the rewards, so let’s take this opportunity and begin.
Also in Muharram, we must reflect on the martyrdom of the Prophet’s ﷺ grandson, al-Husayn (may Allaah be pleased with him) who was killed in battle. We can also increase our acts of kindness to our families and increase our giving of charity, Aameen!