Fasting on `Ashura: An In-Depth Guide

Fasting on the day of `Ashura holds a significant place in Islamic tradition. It is a day steeped in history, marked by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as a day of fasting, following the example of Prophet Moosa (Moses) and the Children of Israel. The Prophet's arrival in Madeenah brought to light the practice of fasting on `Ashura, observed by the Jews as a day of gratitude for their deliverance from Pharaoh. Embracing this tradition, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) declared, "We have more right to Moosa than you," and instructed the Muslims to fast on this day.

The significance of `Ashura predates Islam, with evidence that the people of Jaahiliyyah, the pre-Islamic period, also observed fasts on this day. The Quraysh, a tribe to which the Prophet belonged, may have fasted on `Ashura based on earlier laws, possibly those of Prophet Ibraaheem (Abraham). The Prophet himself fasted on `Ashura in Makkah, and after migrating to Madeenah, he continued the practice and encouraged his followers to do the same, aiming to distinguish Muslims from the Jews, who celebrated it as a festival.

Initially, fasting on `Ashura was obligatory for Muslims, a step in the gradual introduction of fasting within Islam. However, with the revelation making Ramadan fasting compulsory, the obligation to fast on `Ashura was abrogated, transforming it into a voluntary act that carries immense reward. The Prophet expressed his  particular keenness to fast on `Ashura, hoping for Allah's expiation of sins for the preceding year.

The exact date of `Ashura is the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. There is also a recommendation to fast on the ninth day, known as Tasu`a, to differ from the Jewish practice and to ensure the fast encompasses the actual day of `Ashura due to potential uncertainty in moon sighting.

The wisdom behind fasting on Tasu`a, in addition to `Ashura, is multifaceted. It serves to distinguish Muslim practice from that of the Jews and Christians, to add an extra day of fasting in line with the Prophet's intention, and to safeguard against errors in lunar observation. The most compelling reason remains to uphold a distinct Islamic identity, as emphasized by scholars like Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah.

While fasting solely on the day of `Ashura is not considered objectionable, it is preferable to fast an additional day to align with the Prophet's intentions. Moreover, fasting on `Ashura is encouraged regardless of whether it falls on a Friday or Saturday, contradicting the view that fasting should be avoided on these specific days of the week.