The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that fasting on the Day of Ashura carries a beautiful reward: the expiation of the previous year’s sins. Here is the meaning, virtue, and practical Sunnah of this blessed day.
Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Raheem.
There are some gifts from Allah that come quietly.
No big announcement. No worldly celebration. No crowds. No decoration.
Just a day.
One day in the Islamic calendar.
A day where a Muslim can fast sincerely for Allah, hoping that Allah will erase the sins of the previous year.
That day is Yawm al-Ashura — the 10th of Muharram.
And sadly, many of us let it pass every year without even realising what we have missed.
What Is Ashura?
Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar.
Muharram itself is not an ordinary month. It is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Qur’an.
Allah says:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months in the register of Allah from the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.”
Reference: Surah at-Tawbah 9:36
The scholars explain that these four sacred months are:
Dhul Qa‘dah, Dhul Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab.
These are months in which the believer should be more careful with sins and more eager in worship. Allah has honoured these months, and when Allah honours something, the heart of a believer should not treat it casually.
The Best Fast After Ramadan
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The best fast after Ramadan is in the month of Allah, al-Muharram.”
Reference: Sahih Muslim 1163a — narrated by Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه
This is a powerful statement.
After Ramadan, the greatest month of fasting is not Sha‘ban, not Rajab, not any other month — it is Muharram.
And within Muharram, the greatest day is Ashura.
The Prophet ﷺ was asked about fasting the Day of Ashura, and he said:
“It expiates the sins of the previous year.”
Reference: Sahih Muslim 1162b — narrated by Abu Qatadah رضي الله عنه
One day.
One fast.
One year of minor sins forgiven, by the mercy of Allah.
This does not mean a person should become careless with sins. Major sins require sincere repentance, stopping the sin, regretting it, and returning people’s rights where required. But the mercy of Allah is vast, and Ashura is one of those doors of mercy that opens for us every year.
Why Is Ashura So Special?
Ashura is connected to one of the greatest moments of rescue in human history.
When the Prophet ﷺ came to Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on the Day of Ashura. He asked them about it, and they said that it was the day Allah saved Musa عليه السلام and the Children of Israel from Fir‘awn.
Musa عليه السلام fasted this day out of gratitude to Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“We have more right to Musa than you.”
So he fasted that day and commanded the Muslims to fast it.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 2004; Sahih Muslim 1130c — narrated by Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما
This is the heart of Ashura.
It is not only a day of fasting. It is a day of gratitude. A day of remembering that Allah saves His believing servants even when the situation looks impossible.
Musa عليه السلام stood with the sea in front of him and Fir‘awn’s army behind him. From the outside, there seemed to be no way out.
But Allah made a way.
That is the message of Ashura.
When every door looks closed, Allah can open the sea.
Fasting Ashura Is an Act of Gratitude
Fasting is not only about staying hungry.
Fasting is a statement from the heart.
It says:
“O Allah, I choose You over my comfort.”
It says:
“O Allah, I am grateful for Your mercy.”
It says:
“O Allah, forgive me, cleanse me, and bring me back to You.”
When we fast Ashura, we are following the Sunnah of our Prophet ﷺ and connecting ourselves to the story of Musa عليه السلام.
We are remembering that the same Allah who saved Musa عليه السلام is the same Allah we turn to today.
Should We Fast the 9th and 10th of Muharram?
Yes, if we are able.
The Prophet ﷺ fasted the 10th of Muharram, and later he intended to also fast the 9th along with it.
Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“If I live until next year, I will certainly fast the ninth day.”
Reference: Sahih Muslim 1134 — narrated by Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما
But before the next year came, the Prophet ﷺ passed away.
From this, the scholars recommended fasting the 9th and 10th of Muharram together.
So the best practical option is:
Fast the 9th and 10th of Muharram.
If you cannot fast both, then fast the 10th of Muharram, the Day of Ashura itself.
Some scholars also mention fasting the 10th and 11th if someone missed the 9th, but the strongest and clearest Sunnah is to fast the 9th and 10th together.
Practical Steps for Ashura
Here is a simple plan:
1. Check the Date
Find out the 9th and 10th of Muharram according to your local Islamic calendar or local moon-sighting authority.
Because the Islamic calendar follows the moon, dates can differ between countries and communities.
2. Make the Intention
Make the intention in your heart that you are fasting Ashura for the sake of Allah.
You do not need to say the intention out loud.
3. Fast the 9th and 10th If You Can
This is the recommended Sunnah.
If you cannot fast both days, then try your best not to miss the 10th.
4. Increase Dhikr and Du‘a
Ashura should not only be a day of hunger.
Fill the day with remembrance:
- SubhanAllah
- Alhamdulillah
- Allahu Akbar
- La ilaha illa Allah
- Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ
- Istighfar
- Du‘a from the heart
5. Ask Allah for Forgiveness
A beautiful du‘a to repeat often is:
Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa‘fu ‘anni
Meaning:
O Allah, You are the Pardoner, You love to pardon, so pardon me.
This du‘a was taught by the Prophet ﷺ to Aisha رضي الله عنها.
Aisha رضي الله عنها asked: “O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylatul Qadr, what should I say?”
He ﷺ said: “Say: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa‘fu ‘anni.”Reference: Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi 3513
Although this du‘a is especially known for Laylatul Qadr, its meaning is perfect for any time a believer is seeking Allah’s pardon.
Do Not Let Ashura Pass Unnoticed
We live in a time where sins come easily.
A glance. A word. A delay in prayer. A careless conversation. A private weakness. A moment of heedlessness.
Sometimes sins build up quietly, and the heart becomes heavy without knowing why.
Then Allah gives us days like Ashura.
A door back.
A chance to return.
A reminder that we are not abandoned.
Ashura is coming every year as a mercy from Allah. The question is not whether the opportunity exists. The question is whether we will take it.
Mark the date.
Make the intention.
Fast with gratitude.
Ask Allah to forgive you.
And remember: the same Allah who saved Musa عليه السلام when the sea was before him and Fir‘awn was behind him is the same Allah who hears your du‘a today.
HasbunAllahu wa ni‘mal wakeel.
Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs.
