Every year, when the Islamic calendar shifts to the sacred month of Muharram, millions of Muslims prepare to observe one of the most rewarding voluntary fasts of the year.
For those seeking spiritual growth, forgiveness, and a strong connection to the Prophet Muhammad’s example, understanding the virtues of fasting on Ashura is important. This solitary day, which falls on the tenth of Muharram, brings a blessing that few other acts of voluntary worship can match.
This guide explains the history, benefits, and proper Ashura observance. Miftah Al-Huda Academy provides structured Islamic studies to assist in transforming true knowledge into meaningful everyday practice.
What Is the Day of Ashura?
“Ashura” is derived from the Arabic word for “ten,” and refers to the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muharram is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran, during which good deeds are considered more rewarding and sins are more serious. The virtues of fasting on Ashura begin with the story of why this day was chosen.
Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites from Pharaoh on the Day of Ashura. It is narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari:
Narrated Ibn `Abbas:
The Prophet (ﷺ) came to Medina and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He asked them about that. They replied, “This is a good day, the day on which Allah rescued Bani Israel from their enemy. So, Moses fasted this day.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “We have more claim over Moses than you.” So, the Prophet fasted on that day and ordered (the Muslims) to fast (on that day).
The Historical Roots
According to hadith reported in Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet ﷺ asked the Jewish people in Madinah why they fasted on this day, and they replied that it was to commemorate Musa’s deliverance from Pharaoh who drowned while pursuing the Israelites. Musa fasted in gratitude, and his followers followed the practice. Fasting on
Ashura became an established Islamic practice after the Prophet ﷺ said that Muslims are closer to Musa than they were.
Before Ramadan fasting became mandatory, early Muslims were obliged to fast on Ashura. After Ramadan became a pillar of Islam, Ashura became a voluntary practice that the Prophet ﷺ followed throughout his life.
Narrated `Aisha:
The people used to fast on ‘Ashura (the tenth day of the month of Muharram) before the fasting of Ramadan was made obligatory. And on that day the Ka`ba used to be covered with a cover. When Allah made the fasting of the month of Ramadan compulsory, Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Whoever wishes to fast (on the day of ‘Ashura’) may do so; and whoever wishes to leave it can do so.” Sahih al-Bukhari 1592
8 Core Virtues of Fasting on Ashura
1. Expiation of Minor Sins from the Previous Year
The most prominent benefit is the forgiveness of minor sins from the previous year. It was narrated from Abu Qatadah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Fasting the day of ‘Ashura’, I hope, will expiate the sins of the previous year.” Sahih
2. The Second-Best Voluntary Fast After Ramadan
Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported that he (the Messenger of Allah) was asked as to which fast was most excellent after the month of Ramadan. He said:
Prayer is offered in the middle of the night and the most excellent fast after (fasting) in the month of Ramadan is the fast in God’s month al-Muharram. Sahih Muslim 1163b
3. Following the Example of the Prophets
Fasting on Ashura connects muslims to a prophetic tradition going back to Musa.
It was narrated from ‘Ubaidullah that:
He heard Ibn ‘Abbas, when he was asked about the fast of ‘Ashura’ say: “I do not know that the Prophet fasted any day because of its virtue, except this day” meaning the month of Ramadan and the day of Ashura.’ Sunan an-Nasa’i 2370
The Prophet ﷺ prioritized the fast of Ashura over other voluntary fasts, similar to his emphasis on fasting during Ramadan.
4. A Demonstration of Gratitude to Allah
Fasting on Ashura is fundamentally an expression of gratitude (shukr). Musa fasted to thank Allah for deliverance, and Muslims still fast in thanksgiving for Allah’s ongoing mercy and protection.
5. Spiritual Renewal at the Start of the Islamic Year
Because Ashura occurs early in the Islamic calendar, it provides an opportunity to start the new year on a clean slate, resetting spiritually and reaffirming one’s dedication to worship.
6. Ranked Alongside the Day of Arafah
Scholars compare Ashura to the Day of Arafah (the ninth of Dhul Hijjah). Arafah is considered to expiate sins for two years, whereas Ashura expiates the year before.
According to Ibn Hajar and others, Prophet Muhammad’s final message stands out from Musa’s earlier mission. In any case, both days present significant opportunities to erase past mistakes.
7. A Reminder of Allah’s Power Over Tyranny
The Ashura story is fundamentally about justice triumphing over oppression, with Pharaoh’s arrogance resulting in drowning while the oppressed are saved. Fasting serves as a yearly reminder that tyranny is temporary and that Allah supports the oppressed.
8. Increased Reward for Worship in a Sacred Month
Good deeds during this period are rewarded more generously, while sins are considered worse. Fasting on Ashura is part of a larger pattern of increased devotion that continues throughout Muharram.
5 Steps to Prepare for Ashura
- Track the Islamic calendar carefully. Confirm the date through a trusted local authority.
- Set a clear intention (niyyah) the night before to fast solely for Allah’s pleasure.
- Plan suhoor and iftar meals to ensure balanced nutrition and energy.
- Maximize spiritual benefits by increasing supplication and Quran recitation while fasting.
- Plan a charitable act, such as feeding a family, helping orphans, or donating to those in need.
Ways to Observe the Fast
Scholars identify three levels of observance, ranging from good to best:
- Fasting only on the 10th (Ashura) is permissible and rewarded, though at the most basic level.
- Fasting the 9th and 10th together was intended by the Prophet ﷺ to distinguish Muslim practice from the Jewish community’s custom of fasting only on the 10th.
- Fasting on the 9th, 10th, and 11th is regarded by many scholars, including some from the Shafi’i school, as the most comprehensive and cautious approach.
The Prophet ﷺ planned to add the ninth day in the following year, but passed away before Muharram arrived. His companions carried this instruction forward, and it is still the preferred practice today.
Abdullah b ‘Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had said:
If I live till the next (year), I would definitely observe fast on the 9th, and the narration transmitted by Abu Bakr is:” He meant the day of Ashura.” Sahih Muslim 1134b
Broader Spiritual and Physical Benefits
- Spiritual purification: Fasting silences desires and redirects attention to Allah’s remembrance, a purification thought to be especially effective on Ashura.
- Strengthening taqwa (Allah-consciousness): According to the Quran, fasting is a path to taqwa; observing Ashura with a historical awareness deepens this consciousness.
- Physical wellbeing: A day of mindful fasting can provide additional benefits such as digestive rest and increased food discipline.
- Community and solidarity: Ashura is frequently observed in communities, with families fasting and breaking fast together while thinking of the story of Musa and Pharaoh.
Charity and Caring for Others
Aside from fasting, several traditions encourage increased giving toward orphans, poor people, and those in need at this time. By combining the discipline of fasting with the generosity of giving, believers can embody both the physical and social dimensions of worship on this significant day.
How These Virtues Shape a Believer’s Character ?
Fasting on Ashura has long-term consequences for character, in addition to immediate forgiveness. The discipline of fasting from food and drink develops patience, which transfers over into everyday life.
The themes of deliverance from oppression in the story foster empathy and a feeling of justice. Understanding the connection between Musa and Allah’s compassion turns fasting from a ritual to a lived faith, affirming a believer’s place in a lengthy chain of prophetic tradition from Musa to Muhammad ﷺ.
Final Thoughts
From Musa’s salvation to the Prophet Muhammad’s lifetime fast, Ashura conveys a message of thankfulness, humility, and hope in the face of adversity. The virtues of fasting on Ashura include forgiveness of sins, adherence to prophetic tradition, and a unique opportunity for renewal at the start of the Islamic year, an invitation to draw closer to Allah with a grateful heart every year.
Ashura is a reminder that seeking Allah’s pleasure begins with seeking knowledge. Let Miftah Al-Huda Academy guide you through expert-led online Islamic courses designed for learners of all ages. Register now for your FREE trial and start learning with confidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do if I accidentally eat or drink while fasting on Ashura?
If you truly forget that you are fasting and eat or drink, your fast is still acceptable. When you remember, stop eating immediately and resume your fast.
2. What mistakes should Muslims avoid on Ashura?
Muslims should avoid believing in unauthenticated rituals, creating specific acts of worship, or engaging in behaviors that are not based on the Quran or authentic Sunnah.
3. Does fasting on Ashura forgive major sins?
No. The genuine hadith mentions the forgiveness of minor sins. Major sins necessitate true repentance (tawbah), regret, abandonment of the sin, and a clear commitment not to return to it.
4. Is there any reward for encouraging others to fast on Ashura?
Yes. According to the Prophet ﷺ, those who guide others to commit good deeds earn a reward equal to their own, without affecting the other person’s reward.
5. Does fasting on Ashura replace the need for daily repentance?
No. While fasting on Ashura is a way to atone for small transgressions, Muslims should continue to seek Allah’s forgiveness on a regular basis by genuine repentance and righteous deeds.