Fasting on Ashura: What It Means, How to Do It, and Why It's Important

What happened on  Ashura (عاشوراء), which means "tenth" in Arabic, is the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Its significance goes back to victories celebrated by prophets before Islam:

• The Israelites and the Prophet Musa (AS): On this day, Allah made the Red Sea open so that they could get away from Pharaoh's rule. When Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) moved to Madinah, he saw Jews who were fasting to thank God for this miracle. He said, "We are closer to Musa than you." he fasted and commanded Muslims to do the same  

• Nuh (AS), the Prophet: Some weak stories say that Ashura happens at the same time as his Ark lands on Mount Judi. This is why he fasts to show his thanks.

• Before Islam came to Arabia, the Quraysh tribe, which included the Prophet (ﷺ), fasted on Ashura to remember what Ibrahim (AS) taught them. Later, Islam took up this custom. 

Fasting on Ashura became a Sunnah after fasting during Ramadan became mandatory (2 AH). People could choose to do it, but it still had a lot of spiritual weight. 

The Spiritual Benefits of Fasting on Ashura

The Prophet (ﷺ) said that Ashura had special blessings:

Fasting makes up for little sins from the year before. 

"I hope Allah will accept my fast on the day of 'Ashura' as an expiation for the sins of the previous year," Abu Qatadah (RA) said (Sahih Muslim).

You must ask for forgiveness (tawbah) for each major sin you commit.

• Getting a higher rank: Ibn Abbas (RA) said that the Prophet (ﷺ) said that fasting on Ashura was the second most important fast after Ramadan.

• Fasting on any day in Muharram, which is a holy month, is very good for you.

• Muslims fast to connect with Musa (AS) and Nuh (AS) and show thanks (shukr) for being saved by God. 

How to Celebrate Ashura and SC Practices

Here are some tips for fasting:

•  The 9th and 10th of Muharram are the 9th and 10th days of the month.

• If you miss the 9th, you can fast on the 10th and 11th.

Why two days? The Prophet (ﷺ) wanted to be different from the custom Jews:

 "If I live until next year, I will fast the ninth" (Ibn Majah). 

Besides fasting:

• Sadaqah: Giving to charity. Give food to the poor, as is the custom of making special meals. 

• Pray and think: Read the Quran, ask for forgiveness (istighfar), and think about what you can learn from the past. 

• Don't do things that aren't supported by the Sunnah, like mourning or celebrating too much. 

The Two Gifts of Ashura: Success and Failure

While Sunni Islam focuses on Musa’s victory, Ashura also marks Husayn ibn Ali’s (RA) martyrdom (61 AH/680 CE) at Karbala. His stand against Yazid’s tyranny symbolizes:

• Eternal Victory Through Sacrifice:

• Though killed, Husayn (RA) attained martyrdom (shahadah)—a status the Quran honors: "Never say they are dead; they are alive with their Lord" (3:169) 

• Unity in Commemoration:

• Sunnis fast; Shias mourn. Both honor resistance against oppression 

"Husayn is from me, and I am from Husayn. Allah loves those who love Husayn" (Jami’ al-Tirmidhi) 

What It Means Today: Resistance and Renewal

The themes of Ashura are still relevant today:

• Personal Growth:

•  Forgiving sins gives you a spiritual "reset" for the new year in Islam.

• Solidarity all over the world:

• Palestinians, Rohingya, and other groups that are being oppressed still have the Ashura spirit of strength. 

• Gratitude in Action:

•  Fasting and giving to charity, like giving to war refugees, are both good things to do. 
  

Conclusion: A Day of Divine Proximity

Ashura links Muslims to the victories of prophets, the Prophet's Sunnah, and the fight for justice that has been going on for a long time. People who fast, give to charity, and think about what they learn during Ashura can get God's mercy and strengthsaid Ibn Taymiyyah.  

"Husayn's patience against tyranny is a model for all Muslims." 

Let Ashura this Muharram strengthen your faith, wash away your past sins, and give you full faith in Allah's ultimate justice.

FAQS

Q: Do you have to go without food on Ashura?

A: No. It is a Sunnah Mu'akkadah (very important) act of free will.

Q: Is it okay to only fast on the 10th?

A: Yes, but the best way to do what the Prophet wants is to fast on the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th.

Q: Is it healthy to fast on Ashura?

A: Yes. Your spiritual goal should come first, even though intermittent fasting speeds up your metabolism. 

Q: What should sick or older people do on Ashura?

A: They don't have to fast if it could be bad for their health. Instead, feed the poor (fidyah) 

Q: Why don't Shia Muslims fast on Ashura?

A: They are sad that Husayn died and don't think that fasting is right for a day of mourning.