Fasting Ashura is one of the recommended acts of worship in Islam. It corresponds to the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. This day has great spiritual importance because it recalls the deliverance of Prophet Musa عليه السلام and his people from Pharaoh.
Fasting the day of Ashura is a way to thank Allah, follow the path of the prophets and seek His forgiveness. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged Muslims to fast this day because of its great virtue.
In this article, you will discover what Ashura is, why Muslims fast this day, what its reward is, when to fast the 9th and 10th of Muharram, and how this period can become a new spiritual beginning.
To better understand acts of worship, fasting, supplications and the foundations of faith, visit our page to learn Islam.
Key points about fasting Ashura
Ashura refers to the 10th day of Muharram. This day recalls the deliverance of Prophet Musa عليه السلام and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fasted this day and encouraged his community to fast it.
Fasting Ashura is recommended, but it is not obligatory. It allows the Muslim to hope for the expiation of the previous year’s sins, by Allah’s permission.
The best-known practice is to fast the 9th and 10th of Muharram. Whoever cannot fast two days may fast only the 10th of Muharram.
What is the day of Ashura?
Ashura refers to the 10th day of Muharram. The word is linked to the Arabic root related to the number ten. Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam and marks the beginning of the Hijri year.
This day is known for its connection to a major event: Allah saved Prophet Musa عليه السلام and the Children of Israel from the oppression of Pharaoh. Out of gratitude to Allah, Musa عليه السلام fasted this day.
Ashura is therefore not only a date in the Muslim calendar. It is a reminder of deliverance, patience, faith and trust in Allah.
Why do Muslims fast the day of Ashura?
When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he found the People of the Book fasting the day of Ashura. They explained that it was the day when Allah saved Musa عليه السلام and his people. The Prophet ﷺ indicated that Muslims had more right to Musa, then he fasted this day and instructed his community to fast it.
Fasting Ashura is therefore an act of gratitude to Allah. It reminds the believer that victory, deliverance and help come from Allah, even when the situation seems impossible.
This day also teaches that true faith connects the prophets to one another. The Muslim loves and respects all prophets sent by Allah, including Musa عليه السلام and Muhammad ﷺ.
What is the reward of fasting Ashura?
The virtue of fasting Ashura is great. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ indicated that this fast allows one to hope for the expiation of the previous year’s sins.
This reward shows Allah’s mercy toward His servants. A single day of fasting, performed with sincerity and faith, can become a cause of forgiveness and spiritual purification.
It is important to remember that this expiation generally concerns minor sins. Major sins require sincere repentance, stopping the sin, feeling regret and having a firm intention not to return to it.
When to fast Ashura: the 9th, 10th or 11th of Muharram?
The main day of Ashura is the 10th of Muharram. However, it is recommended to fast one day before or one day after, in order to differ from other religious communities.
The best-known options are:
- fasting the 9th and 10th of Muharram;
- fasting the 10th and 11th of Muharram;
- fasting the 9th, 10th and 11th of Muharram as a precaution;
- fasting only the 10th of Muharram if one cannot do more.
The best practice is to fast the 9th and 10th of Muharram. If this is not possible, fasting only the 10th remains valid and beneficial.
What is Tasu’a?
Tasu’a refers to the 9th day of Muharram, the day before Ashura. It is recommended to fast it with Ashura in order to follow the prophetic recommendation of fasting the ninth day in addition to the tenth.
The Muslim can therefore organize the fast around these two days: Tasu’a and Ashura, meaning the 9th and 10th of Muharram.
Is fasting Ashura obligatory?
Fasting Ashura is not obligatory. It is a recommended fast. Before the fast of Ramadan became obligatory, Ashura had a special status. Then Ramadan fasting became obligatory, while Ashura remained a highly virtuous recommended fast.
The Muslim who fasts Ashura seeks Allah’s reward. The one who does not fast it is not sinful, but misses a great opportunity for good.
The link between Ashura and Prophet Musa
The story of Ashura reminds the believer of patience, trust in Allah and deliverance after hardship. Musa عليه السلام faced Pharaoh’s injustice, but Allah granted him help and victory.
This reminder teaches the believer that oppression does not last forever and that trust in Allah must remain firm even in difficult moments.
Ashura is therefore not only a day of fasting. It is also a day of reflection on faith, gratitude, hope and certainty that Allah’s help comes at the time He chooses.
What to do during the month of Muharram?
Muharram is a sacred month. It is recommended to increase good deeds, supplications, repentance and acts of worship. Fasting has an important place in this month, as the Prophet ﷺ encouraged fasting during it after Ramadan.
Among the beneficial deeds during Muharram:
- fasting the day of Ashura;
- fasting the 9th and 10th of Muharram when possible;
- making many supplications;
- seeking Allah’s forgiveness;
- reading or listening to Quran;
- strengthening one’s relationship with Allah;
- avoiding sins and injustice;
- reviewing one’s spiritual state.
Ashura and the beginning of the Muslim year
The month of Muharram marks the beginning of the Hijri year. It is an opportunity to review one’s spiritual life, renew intention and make good religious resolutions.
The believer can use this period to come closer to Allah, improve prayer, return to Quran recitation, learn religion and correct what needs to be corrected in daily life.
Those who wish to study belief, prayer, fasting and essential rulings can follow our Islamic studies online courses.
How to prepare well for fasting Ashura
To benefit fully from fasting Ashura, it is recommended to prepare one’s intention, verify the dates of Muharram according to local lunar observation, and choose whether to fast the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th.
It is also recommended to make this fast a sincere act done only for Allah.
Fasting is not limited to abstaining from food and drink. It also invites the believer to control the tongue, behavior, gaze and thoughts.
What if one cannot fast Ashura?
Some people may be unable to fast because of illness, difficult travel, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation or another valid excuse.
In that case, one should not feel guilty. Allah knows each person’s situation and His mercy is immense.
Since the day of Ashura is tied to a specific date in the lunar calendar, it is not made up like an obligatory day of Ramadan. However, a person unable to fast may increase good deeds: dhikr, duas, Quran reading, charity, sincere repentance and sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ.
Can one fast Ashura while having missed Ramadan days to make up?
Scholars generally recommend giving priority to making up obligatory missed days of Ramadan. However, some views allow fasting Ashura with the intention of making up a missed Ramadan day, while hoping for the reward connected to this day.
In a specific personal situation, it is better to ask a qualified person, especially when organizing missed fasts.
Ashura, Quran and spiritual renewal
Fasting Ashura can become the starting point of a deeper commitment to the Quran, prayer, Arabic language and learning Islam.
Many Muslims recite the Quran without always understanding the meaning of the verses. Learning Arabic, even gradually, helps one better grasp the words of revelation, improve Quran reading and strengthen concentration in worship.
To deepen your connection with the Book of Allah, you can explore our program to learn Quran and Tajweed online.
Learning Arabic and Quran to better understand religion
Fasting Ashura reminds us that faith is nourished by knowledge, practice and regularity. Understanding Quranic Arabic, reading the Quran with better pronunciation and studying the foundations of Islam are practical ways to strengthen one’s relationship with Allah.
At Al-Dirassa, students can gradually learn the Arabic alphabet, Arabic reading, pronunciation, religious vocabulary, literary Arabic or Quranic Arabic.
Studying a Quranic Arabic course helps students better understand verses, supplications and texts related to acts of worship.
To progress step by step, you can also follow a structured path to learn Arabic online.
Children can also gradually discover the basics of fasting, supplications and Muslim character through Islamic courses for children.
For more articles about fasting, supplications and Muslim life, visit our Islam and culture section.
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FAQ — Fasting Ashura in Islam
When is the day of Ashura?
Ashura takes place on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. The exact date in the Gregorian calendar changes every year because the Islamic calendar is lunar.
Should one fast the 9th and 10th of Muharram?
It is recommended to fast the 9th and 10th of Muharram. This practice follows the prophetic recommendation and differs from other religious communities.
Can one fast only the 10th of Muharram?
Yes, it is permissible to fast only the 10th of Muharram. However, it is better to add the 9th or the 11th when possible.
Is fasting Ashura obligatory?
No, fasting Ashura is not obligatory. It is a recommended fast with a great reward.
What is the reward for fasting Ashura?
Fasting Ashura allows the believer to hope for the expiation of the previous year’s sins, by Allah’s permission.
Can one fast Ashura while having missed Ramadan days?
Scholars generally recommend giving priority to making up obligatory missed Ramadan fasts. According to some views, it is possible to fast Ashura with the intention of making up a missed fast while hoping for the reward of this day.
What can be done on Ashura besides fasting?
It is beneficial to increase good deeds: Quran reading, dhikr, supplications, repentance, charity, sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ and reflecting on one’s relationship with Allah.
Conclusion: making Ashura a new beginning
Fasting Ashura is a precious opportunity to come closer to Allah, follow an important Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and hope for the expiation of the minor sins of the previous year.
Fasting the 10th of Muharram, ideally with the 9th or the 11th, is a simple but highly virtuous practice. It is also a beautiful opportunity to begin the Muslim year with faith, repentance and good intentions.
Ashura should not be only a one-time event. This day can become the beginning of more regular learning: reading the Quran better, improving Arabic pronunciation, understanding supplications, studying Quranic Arabic and strengthening religious practice with method.
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