The 10th of Muharram, known as Youm-e-Aashura, holds great spiritual significance in Islam. It is the day when Prophet Musa (Moses) and his followers were saved from Pharaoh’s tyranny by the splitting of the Red Sea. To express gratitude, Prophet Musa (AS) fasted on this day. When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ learned of this, he said that Muslims have a greater right to follow Musa (AS), and he encouraged fasting on this day.
Initially, fasting on the day of Ashura was obligatory, but later it became optional after the fasts of Ramadan were prescribed. However, it remains a highly recommended Sunnah.
To differentiate from the Jewish tradition of fasting only on the 10th, the Prophet ﷺ advised Muslims to also fast on the 9th of Muharram. He said:
“If I remain (alive) till the next year, I will also fast on the 9th.”
— (Sahih Muslim)
Virtue of the Ashura fast:
Fasting on the day of Ashura is a means of expiation for the sins of the previous year. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Fasting on the day of Ashura, I hope from Allah that it will expiate the sins of the previous year.”
— (Sahih Muslim)
How to fast:
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The most preferred way is to fast on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram.
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If someone cannot fast on the 9th, then fasting on the 10th and 11th is also recommended to avoid resembling other religious communities.
Spiritual lessons:
Ashura also reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in Karbala, who stood firm for truth and justice.
