Fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram (Ashura): Rulings and Significance

Fasting on the 9th (Tasu'a) and 10th (Ashura) of Muharram is a recommended (mustahabb) voluntary act in Islam, not obligatory like Ramadan.

Significance of Ashura (10th Muharram)

• Prophet Musa (Moses): Allah saved him and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh; Musa fasted in gratitude. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, "We have more right to Musa," and fasted, commanding Muslims to fast.
• Imam Hussain's martyrdom: 61 AH / 680 CE at Karbala. Commemorated especially by Shia Muslims as a day of mourning; Sunnis also reflect on sacrifice and justice.

Fasting Rulings

• 10th only: Valid, but Makruh (disliked) by some scholars to single it out without the 9th or 11th (to differ from Jewish practice).
• 9th + 10th: Best (Sunnah), based on hadith: "Fast the 9th and 10th, or the 10th and 11th."
• 10th + 11th: Also acceptable.

Spiritual Benefits

• Expiation of sins of the previous year (hadith: "I hope Allah will expiate the sins of the year before it").
• Gratitude for divine deliverance.
• Solidarity with prophetic tradition.

Practical Notes

• Intention (niyyah) made before Fajr (voluntary fast).
• Pregnant/nursing women, travelers, ill may defer; no sin.
• Consult local scholars for community-specific guidance.

Fasting Ashura is a beloved Sunnah connecting Muslims to a legacy of faith and resilience.