𝑸𝑼𝑬𝑺𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵❓
I want to fast ‘Ashoora’ this year, but some people told me that the Sunnah is to fast the day before as well (Taasoo’a’). Is there any report that this was the teaching of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)?
𝑨𝑵𝑺𝑾𝑬𝑹❗️
Praise be to Allah.
It is highly recommended in Islam to fast on the 9th and 10th days of Muharram, known as Tasoo’a (9th) and ‘Ashoora (10th). This practice is rooted in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) narrated:
“When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings be upon him) fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora and instructed the people to do the same, they said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, this is a day that is honored by the Jews and Christians.’ The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) responded, ‘Next year, if Allaah wills, we will fast on the ninth day as well.’ But before the next year came, the Messenger of Allaah had passed away.”
— Narrated by Muslim (Hadith 1916)
This narration illustrates the Prophet’s intention to distinguish the Muslim practice from that of the Jews and Christians by adding the 9th day to the fast. While the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not live to fulfill that intention, scholars from various schools of thought—including Imam Al-Shaafa’i, Imam Ahmad, and Ishaaq—have ruled that it is mustahabb (recommended) to fast both the ninth and the tenth.
The Wisdom Behind Fasting the 9th Alongside the 10th
Several scholars have offered insights into the wisdom behind fasting on both days:
To Differ from the People of the Book:
Ibn ‘Abbaas explained that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) wanted Muslims to stand apart from the Jews, who fasted only on the 10th. This intent to be distinct is consistent with broader Islamic teachings that discourage imitating non-Muslim religious practices.
Honoring Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him):
The Jews of Madinah fasted on the 10th of Muharram to commemorate the day Allah saved Musa (peace be upon him) and his followers from Pharaoh. When the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) learned of this, he said:
“We have more right to Musa than them.”
Thus, he instructed Muslims to fast on this day as well.
The Strongest Reason – Differentiation:
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah emphasized that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) consistently discouraged resembling the People of the Book. He cited the Prophet's statement regarding ‘Ashoora:
“If I live until next year, I will certainly fast the ninth.”
— Al-Fataawa al-Kubra, vol. 6
Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani (may Allaah have mercy on him) commented on this hadith, noting that the Prophet’s intention was not to fast only the ninth, but to add it to the tenth—either as a precaution (to ensure the correct day is covered) or to further differentiate from the practices of the Jews and Christians.
— Fath al-Baari, vol. 4, p. 245
Levels of Fasting on ‘Ashoora:
Islamic scholars mention that there are three recommended ways to observe the fast of ‘Ashoora:
Best: Fasting on the 9th, 10th, and 11th
Better: Fasting on the 9th and 10th
Good: Fasting only on the 10th
The more one fasts during Muharram, the more reward is expected, as it is one of the sacred months in Islam.
Conclusion
Fasting on the days of Tasoo’a and ‘Ashoora is a noble Sunnah that brings great spiritual benefit. It revives the legacy of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him), aligns with the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and distinguishes the Islamic tradition in a meaningful way.
And Allah knows best.
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