Muharram and the Day of Ashura

Muharram, the first month

Muharram begins the Hijri year, and it is one of the sacred months named in the Quran (Quran 9:36). The Prophet ﷺ called it the month of Allah and said that the best fasting after Ramadan is fasting in this month (Sahih Muslim).

The month is a calm time for reflection. Many Muslims use the start of the new year to review their habits and make a fresh plan for worship.

The day of Ashura

Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram. Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim report that when the Prophet ﷺ came to Madinah, he saw the Jewish people fasting on this day. They told him it was the day on which Allah saved Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and his people from Pharaoh. The Prophet ﷺ said that the Muslims have a closer claim to Musa than they do, and he fasted that day and told his companions to fast it.

Many scholars explain that this fast was strongly stressed before Ramadan was made obligatory. After that, fasting Ashura became a voluntary act that is highly recommended.

How to fast Ashura

It is recommended to fast the 10th. Sahih Muslim reports that the Prophet ﷺ said that if he lived to the next year, he would also fast the 9th. This is why scholars encourage fasting the 9th and 10th together. Many scholars also say that fasting the 10th and the 11th is good, to make it different from the practice of other communities.

You can choose from these options:

• Fast the 9th and the 10th.
• Fast the 10th and the 11th.
• Fast the 10th only, which is also accepted, though adding another day is better.

The exact date depends on the moon sighting in your country, so check your local Hijri calendar. Ask a local scholar if you have questions about the intention or the rules of voluntary fasting.

The reward of the fast

Sahih Muslim reports that the Prophet ﷺ said he hoped that Allah would accept the fast of Ashura as an expiation for the sins of the previous year. Scholars explain that this refers to minor sins. Major sins need sincere repentance. This is a hope based on Allah's generosity, so a believer should fast with sincerity and keep asking for forgiveness.

What is not part of the authentic practice

In mainstream Sunni teaching, the authentic practice for Ashura is fasting. Remembering Allah and giving charity are good in every month, but no special ritual for this day was reported. Mourning rituals, and also celebrations or festivities, were not taught by the Prophet ﷺ for this day, so they are not part of the authentic practice. Muslims are encouraged to keep to what was reported from him.

This is said with respect. Muharram is a month in which many Muslims remember painful events in history, and all Muslims honor the family of the Prophet ﷺ. Different communities have their own traditions, and this article only describes what the authentic reports establish. Please ask a qualified scholar if you have questions about your own situation.

Sources

• Quran 9:36
• Sahih al-Bukhari (Book of Fasting)
• Sahih Muslim (Book of Fasting)