Noble Messenger and the Day of Ashura

A day of ‘Eid

This day was the day of ‘Eid for the Bani Isra’eel. It is narrated that Sayyiduna Musa عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام would wear kattaan [fine linen] clothing and apply Ismid Kohl on the day of ‘Ashura.

(Lataif-ul-Ma’arif, p. 57)

The era of the Noble Messenger and the day of ‘Ashura

In the [pre-Islamic] era of ignorance, the Quraysh would fast on the day of ‘Ashura. The Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم would also fast on this day (Bukhari, vol. 1, p. 656, Hadees 2002) and the cover of the sacred Ka’bah would be changed on this very day.

(Bukhari, vol. 1, p. 536, Hadees 1592) 

A large number of Jews inhabited Khayber and Madinah Munawwarah. Since they belonged to the Bani Isra’eel, and the Bani Isra’eel attained salvation on the day of ‘Ashura from Fir’awn, hence, they would commemorate this day as an ‘Eid and would fast on this day.

(Lataif-ul-Ma'arif, pp. 57-58 summarised)

When the Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم arrived in Madinah Munawwarah, he saw that the Jews also kept a fast on the day of ‘Ashura. He صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم asked, ‘Why do you fast on this day?’ The Jews humbly replied, ‘This is the day of greatness. This is that day on which Allah Almighty granted salvation to the Bani Isra’eel and Sayyiduna Musa (from their enemy, Fir’awn). So, Sayyiduna Musa عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام kept a fast on this day out of gratitude and we also keep a fast on this day.’ The Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم stated, ‘We are more deserving of Sayyiduna Musa عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام than you.’ Hence, he صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم kept a fast on that day and commanded people to keep a fast.’

(Muslim, p. 441, Hadees 2658, summarised)

The fast of ‘Ashura was Fard

Dear Islamic brothers! Initially, the fast of ‘Ashura was Fard for Muslims, then the fasts of Ramadan abrogated its obligation. 

(Mirat-ul-Manajih, vol. 3, p. 180)

Although the fast of ‘Ashura is no longer Fard, yet there is great reward for the one who keeps the fast of that day.

Two saying of the Noble Prophet ﷺ:

• 
  ‘I anticipate from Allah Almighty that the fast of ‘Ashura will wipe away the sins of the previous year.’

• ‘The fast of ‘Ashura is equal to a year’s worth of fasts.’

One day before or one day after

The King of Madinah, the Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم stated, ‘Keep the fast of the day of ‘Ashura and oppose the Jews in it; keep the fast of one day before or after the day of ‘Ashura.’

(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 1, p. 518, Hadees 2154) 

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Bin ‘Abbas رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُمَا, a Sahabi and the son of a Sahabi, states, ‘I have not seen the Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم seeking the fast of any day whilst giving it excellence over another day except for the day of ‘Ashura and the month of Ramadan.’ 

(Bukhari, vol. 1, p. 657, Hadees 2006)

The fast of ‘Ashura became a cause of forgiveness

A respected scholar was seen in a dream. The one who saw the dream asked him about his state. He said, ‘I was forgiven due to the blessing of keeping the fast of ‘Ashura for 60 years.’ It is stated in another narration that ‘due to the blessing of keeping the fast of ‘Ashura and that of one day before and after’.

(Lataif-ul-Ma’arif, p. 57)