Muharram, Ashura, and the Sunnah of Fasting: Quran & Hadith Evidence
The month of Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the four sacred months in Islam. The 10th day of Muharram (Ashura) holds immense significance, and fasting on this day—along with the 9th—is a well-established Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
1. The Sacredness of Muharram in the Quran
Allah mentions the sanctity of four months in the Quran, including Muharram:
إِنَّ عِدَّةَ ٱلشُّهُورِ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًۭا فِى كِتَـٰبِ ٱللَّهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ مِنْهَآ أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌۭ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلْقَيِّمُ ۚ فَلَا تَظْلِمُوا۟ فِيهِنَّ أَنفُسَكُمْ
"Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them..."
(Surah At-Tawbah 9:36)
The Prophet (ﷺ) identified these four sacred months in a hadith:
"The year is twelve months, of which four are sacred: Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab."
(Sahih Bukhari 4662, Sahih Muslim 1679)
2. The Virtue of Fasting in Muharram
The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized fasting during Muharram, especially the month's voluntary fasts after Ramadan:
"The best fasting after Ramadan is in Allah's month Muharram."
(Sahih Muslim 1163)
3. The Day of Ashura (10th Muharram)
Historical Significance
Ashura commemorates the day Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. The Jews of Madinah observed this day with fasting, and the Prophet (ﷺ) affirmed its significance for Muslims:
"The Prophet (ﷺ) came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He said, 'What is this?' They said, 'This is a righteous day; it is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemies, so Musa fasted on this day.' The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'We have more right to Musa than you,' so he fasted on that day and commanded the Muslims to fast."
(Sahih Bukhari 2004, Sahih Muslim 1130)
Virtue of Fasting on Ashura
The Prophet (ﷺ) highlighted the expiatory benefits of fasting on Ashura:
"Fasting the day of Ashura expiates the sins of the past year."
(Sahih Muslim 1162)
4. Fasting the 9th Muharram (Tasu'a)
To distinguish Islamic practice from Jewish tradition, the Prophet (ﷺ) recommended fasting the 9th along with the 10th:
"When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) fasted on Ashura and commanded the Muslims to fast, they said, 'O Messenger of Allah, this is a day venerated by the Jews and Christians.' The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'Next year, if Allah wills, we will fast on the ninth day.' But the Prophet (ﷺ) passed away before the next year came."
(Sahih Muslim 1134)
"Fast the day of Ashura, but differ from the Jews by fasting a day before it or a day after."
(Musnad Ahmad 2154, authenticated by Albani)
Recommended Practice
- Ideal: Fast both the 9th and 10th of Muharram.
- Permissible: Fast only the 10th if one misses the 9th.
- Best: Add the 11th if uncertain about the moon sighting.
5. Misconceptions and Innovations
While Ashura is a day of great virtue, some practices have no basis in Islam:
- ❌ Celebrating Ashura as a "festival" with special meals.
- ❌ Mourning or self-flagellation (common in some cultures).
- ❌ Believing Ashura fasting is obligatory (it is Sunnah, not Fard).
Conclusion
Muharram is a sacred month, and fasting on Ashura (10th Muharram)—preferably with the 9th—is a proven Sunnah with immense rewards. This practice connects Muslims to the legacy of Prophet Musa (ﷺ) while distinguishing Islamic worship from other faiths. May Allah grant us the ability to revive this Sunnah with sincerity.