The practice of fasting on Ashura and Tasu’a carries profound spiritual benefits. It is an act of worship that brings Muslims closer to Allah, offering a means of expiation for sins and an opportunity for self-purification. The collective observance of these fasts fosters a sense of unity and solidarity within the Muslim community, as believers worldwide engage in this shared practice of devotion and remembrance.
The Historical Background of Ashura
Ashura, the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, is a day of immense historical significance for Muslims. It marks the day when Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel were saved from Pharaoh’s tyranny by the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. This event is mentioned in the Quran, emphasizing Allah’s support for the righteous and His power to deliver believers from oppression.
Quranic Evidence:
“فَأَوْحَيْنَا إِلَىٰ مُوسَىٰ أَنِ اضْرِب بِّعَصَاكَ الْبَحْرَ ۖ فَانفَلَقَ فَكَانَ كُلُّ فِرْقٍۢ كَٱلطَّوْدِ ٱلْعَظِيمِ”
“Then We inspired to Moses, ‘Strike with your staff the sea,’ and it parted, and each portion was like a great towering mountain.”
(Quran 26:63)
The Fasting of Ashura
Fasting on the day of Ashura is highly recommended and holds great virtue. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) observed fasting on this day and encouraged his followers to do the same, promising significant rewards for those who fast.
Hadith Evidence:
“قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: صِيَامُ يَوْمِ عَاشُورَاءَ، إِنِّي أَحْتَسِبُ عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ يُكَفِّرَ السَّنَةَ الَّتِي قَبْلَهُ”
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.'”
The Fasting of Tasu’a
In addition to fasting on the day of Ashura, fasting on the day before, the 9th of Muharram, known as Tashura, is also recommended. This practice is rooted in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who expressed the desire to fast on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram to distinguish the Muslim tradition from that of the Jews who also commemorated the deliverance of Prophet Musa on the 10th.
Hadith Evidence:
“قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: لَئِنْ بَقِيتُ إِلَى قَابِلٍ لَأَصُومَنَّ التَّاسِعَ”
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘If I live to see the next year, I will fast on the ninth day (as well).'”
