Ashura, meaning “tenth” in Arabic, is a significant day in the Islamic calendar, specifically the 10th day of Muharram, the first month.
Aḥādīth
• Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) arrived in Medina and found the Jews observing fast on the day of ‘Ashura. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to them:
“What is the (significance) of this day that you observe fast on it?” They said: “It is the day of great (significance) when Allah delivered Moses and his people, and drowned the Pharaoh and his people, and Moses observed fast out of gratitude, and we also observe it.” Upon this, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “We have more right, and we have a closer connection with Moses than you have.” So, Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) observed fast (on the day of ‘Ashura), and gave orders that it should be observed.
[Sahih Muslim 1130 c]
• Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) reported that when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) fasted on the day of ‘Ashura and commanded that it should he observed as a fast, they (his Companions) said to him:
Messenger of Allah, it is a day which the Jews and Christians hold in high esteem. Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When the next year comes, God willing, we would observe fast on the 9th.” But the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) died before the advent of the next year.
[Sahih Muslim 1134 a]
Ibn Hajar (رحمه الله) said, “The fast of Ashura has three levels: the lowest is to fast one day, the next is to fast the ninth day along with it, and the next is to fast the ninth, tenth, and eleventh days. Allah knows best.” [Source: Fath al-Bari 4/246]
• Abu Qatada (رضي الله عنه) reported that a person came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said:
“How do you fast?” The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) felt annoyed. When ‘Umar (رضي الله عنه) noticed his annoyance, he said, “We are well pleased with Allah as our Lord, with Islam as our code of life, and with Muhammad as our Prophet. We seek refuge with Allah from the anger of Allah and that of His Messenger.” ‘Umar kept repeating these words until the Prophet’s anger calmed down.
Then ‘Umar said, “Messenger of Allah, what is the position of one who fasts perpetually?” He (ﷺ) said, “He neither fasted nor broke it,” or he said, “He did not fast and he did not break it.” ‘Umar said, “What about him who fasts for two days and doesn’t fast one day?” He (ﷺ) said, “Is anyone capable of doing that?” ‘Umar said, “What is the position of him who fasts for a day and doesn’t fast on the other day?” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “That is the fast of David (peace be upon him).”
‘Umar said, “What about him who fasts one day and doesn’t fast for two days?” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “I wish I were given the strength to do that.” Then he (ﷺ) said, “Fasting three days every month and that of Ramadan every year is perpetual fasting.” He added, “I seek from Allah that fasting on the day of ‘Arafah may atone for the sins of the preceding and coming years, and I seek from Allah that fasting on the day of Ashura may atone for the sins of the preceding year.”
[Sahih Muslim 1162 a]
Shaykh al–Islam Ibn Taymiyah (رحمه الله) said: The expiation of purification, prayer, and fasting during specific times (Ramadan, ‘Arafah and ‘Ashura) applies to minor sins only. [Source: Al-Fataawa al-Kubra, part 5]
[Note: The above-mentioned statement means that certain acts of worship like purification, prayer, and fasting during specific times—Ramadan, ‘Arafah, and ‘Ashura—can help wipe away or atone for small mistakes or minor sins, but they won’t erase major sins which require separate and sincere repentance.]
May Allah ﷻ aid us.
Aameen!
The Enduring Good Deeds 