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Fasting in Dhul-Hijjah
It is Sunnah to fast the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, especially the day of `Arafah, for those who are not performing Hajj. This is confirmed by the following hadiths:
1. Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) is reported to have said that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Fasting on the day of `Arafah is an expiation for two years, the year preceding it and the year following it. Fasting the day of `Ashurah is an expiation for the year preceding it." (Reported by "the group," except for Al-Bukhari and At-Tirmidhi)
2. One of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Allah’s Messenger used to fast the [first] nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, the day of `Ashurah, and three days of each month." (Reported by Abu Dawud).
3. `Uqbah ibn `Aamr (may Allah be pleased with him) is reported to have said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The day of `Arafah [for those performing Hajj], the day of sacrifice, and the days of Tashreeq are `Eids (feasts) for us – the people of Islam – and they are days of eating and drinking."
4- Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade fasting on the day of `Arafah for one who is actually at `Arafah." (Reported by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, An-Nasa'i, and Ibn Majah).
The Prophet said, "No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijja)." Then some companions of the Prophet said, "Not even Jihad?" He replied, "Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah's sake) and does not return with any of those things."
1.Allah (swt) swears an oath by them, and swearing an oath by something is indicative of its importance and great benefit.
2.The Prophet (pbuh) testified that these are the best days of this world, and encouraged people to do righteous deeds on these days.
Among the good deeds which the Muslim should strive to do during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah are:
1.Fasting. It is Sunnah to fast on the ninth day of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) urged us to do good deeds during this time, and fasting is one of the best of deeds.
2.Takbeer. It is Sunnah to say Takbeer ("Allahu akbar"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillaah"), Tahleel ("La ilaha ill-Allah") and Tasbeeh ("Subhaan Allah") during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, and to say it loudly in the mosque, the home, the street and every place where it is permitted to remember Allah and mention His name out loud, as an act of worship and as a proclamation of the greatness of Allah, may He be exalted. Men should recite these phrases out loud, and women should recite them quietly.
3.Doing more good deeds in general, because good deeds are beloved by Allah and will bring a great reward from Him. Whoever is not able to go to Hajj should occupy himself at this blessed time by worshipping Allah, praying (salaat), reading Qur’an, remembering Allah, making supplication (du’aa’), giving charity, honoring his parents, upholding the ties of kinship, enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, and other good deeds and acts of worship.
4.Sacrifice. One of the good deeds that will bring a person closer to Allah during these ten days is offering a sacrifice, by choosing a high-quality animal and fattening it, spending money for the sake of Allah.
5.Sincere repentance. One of the most important things to do during these ten days is to repent sincerely to Allah and to give up all kinds of disobedience and sin.
Repentance means coming back to Allah and foregoing all the deeds, open and secret, that He dislikes, out of regret for what has passed, giving it up immediately and being determined never to return to it, but to adhere firmly to the Truth by doing what Allah loves.
There is much to be gained, so make the most of the opportunity afforded by these invaluable and irreplaceable ten days. Hasten to do good works, before death strikes, before one can regret one’s negligence and failure to act, before one is asked to return to a place where no prayers will be answered, before death intervenes between the hopeful one and the things he hopes for, before you are trapped with your deeds in the grave.
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Fasting in Muharram - Ashoora & Taasoo'aa
The Sacred month of Muharram
Hadhrat Ali Radhi-Allâhu ‘anhu narrates that he was once sitting with Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam when a person asked, “O Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam! Besides the month of Ramadhân, in which month would you advise me to fast?” Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam replied, “If you wish to fast in any month after Ramadhân, then fast in the month of Muharram because this is Allâh’s month. It has a day in which Allâh Ta’âla had accepted the repentance of a nation and in which Allâh Ta’âla will accept the repentance of others also.”The nation whose Taubah (repentance) was accepted on a day in this month was the Bani Isrâ’eel. It was on the 10th of Muharram (Âshura) that the Bani Isrâ’eel (the Jews) and Hadhrat Moosa Alayhis-Salâm were saved from Fir’aun and his army.
Muharram is one of the four sacred months. Abu Bakrah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “The year is twelve months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhu’l-Qa’dah, Dhu’l-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab Mudar which comes between Jumaada and Sha’baan.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 2958).
“Verily, the number of months with Allaah is twelve months (in a year), so it was ordained by Allaah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them, four are sacred. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein…” [al-Tawbah 9:36]
It was reported that Ibn ‘Abbaas said that this phrase (so wrong not yourselves therein…) referred to all the months, then these four were singled out and made sacred, so that sin in these months is more serious and good deeds bring a greater reward.
Qatadah said concerning this phrase (so wrong not yourselves therein…) that wrongdoing during the sacred months is more serious and more sinful that wrongdoing at any other time. Wrongdoing at any time is a serious matter, but Allaah gives more weight to whichever of His commands He will. Allaah has chosen certain ones of His creation. He has chosen from among the angels Messengers and from among mankind Messengers. He chose from among speech the remembrance of Him (dhikr). He chose from among the earth the mosques, from among the months Ramadaan and the sacred months, from among the days Friday and from among the nights Laylat al-Qadr, so venerate that which Allaah has told us to venerate. People of understanding and wisdom venerate the things that Allaah has told us to venerate. (Tafseer Ibn Katheer).
Fasting in Muharram
In this month the 10th day (Ashura) was one which Rasoolillah(SAW) recommended fasting on. Ibn Abbas reported: "The Prophet came to Madinah and found the Jews fasting the day of Ashura. He asked them: "Why are you fasting this day?" They said: "This is a great day. Allah saved Mousa (Moses) and the tribes of Israel from their enemies on this day and therefore Mousa fasted on it. "The Prophet said: "We have more of a right to Mousa than you." So he fasted on that day also and ordered the people to fast on that day." [al-Bukhari and Muslim].
When the Prophet (SAW) fasted the day of Ashura, the people told him that this day is a day that Jews and Christians honor. The Prophet said: "When the following year comes, Allah willing, we shall fast both the ninth and the tenth day of Muharram (that is to be different from the Jews and the Christians.)" The Prophet (SAW) died before the following year."[Muslim].
A version narrated by Imaam Ahmad adds: “This is the day on which the Ark settled on Mount Joodi, so Nooh fasted this day in thanksgiving.”
The month of Muharram is the first month of the lunar year began this year on Thursday 10th February 2005. This blessed month was mentioned in the following hadith: Abu Hurairah reported: "I asked the Prophet: "Which prayer is best after the obligatory prayers?" He said: "Prayer during the middle of the night." I asked: "Which fast is best after the fast of Ramadhan?" He said: "Fasting during the month of Muharram." [Muslim].
It was also reported that the Prophet (SAW) used to fast on ‘Aashooraa’ in Makkah, before he migrated to Madeenah. When he migrated to Madeenah, he found the Jews celebrating this day, so he asked them why, and they replied as described in the hadeeth quoted above. He commanded the Muslims to be different from the Jews, who took it as a festival, as was reported in the hadeeth of Abu Moosa (RA), who said: “The Jews used to take the day of ‘Aashooraa’ as a festival [In a hadith collected in Sahih Muslim: the Jews of Khaybar used to take it as a festival and their women would wear their jewellery and symbols on that day]. The Prophet (SAW) said: ‘So you [Muslims] should fast on that day.’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari). Apparently the motive for commanding the Muslims to fast on this day was the desire to be different from the Jews, so that the Muslims would fast when the Jews did not, because people do not fast on a day of celebration. (Paraphrased al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar (rh) from Fath al-Bari).
Al-‘Izz ibn ‘Abd al-Salaam (rh) said: “Times and places may be given preferred status in two ways, either temporal or religious/spiritual. With regard to the latter, this is because Allaah bestows His generosity on His slaves at those times or in those places, by giving a greater reward for deeds done, such as giving a greater reward for fasting in Ramadaan than for fasting at all other times, and also on the day of ‘Aashooraa’, the virtue of which is due to Allaah’s generosity and kindness towards His slaves on that day…” (Qawaa’id al-Ahkaam, 1/38).
Ibn Qudaamah (rh) said:
‘Aashooraa’ is the tenth day of Muharram. This is the opinion of Sa’eed ibn al-Musayyib and al-Hasan. It was what was reported by Ibn ‘Abbaas, who said: ‘The Messenger of Allaah (SAW) commanded us to fast ‘Aashooraa’, the tenth day of Muharram.’ (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, who said, a saheeh hasan hadeeth). It was reported that Ibn ‘Abbaas said: ‘The ninth,’ and reported that the Prophet (SAW) used to fast the ninth. (Reported by Muslim). ‘Ataa’ reported that he said, ‘Fast the ninth and the tenth, and do not be like the Jews.’ If this is understood, we can say on this basis that it is mustahabb (encouraged) to fast on the ninth and the tenth, for that reason. This is what Ahmad said, and it is the opinion of Ishaaq.”
Virtues of fasting Ashoora
Ibn ‘Abbaas (RA) said: “I never saw the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of ‘Aashooraa’, and this month, meaning Ramadaan.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 1867).
Furthermore, Rasoolillah (SAW) said: “For fasting the day of ‘Aashooraa’, I hope that Allaah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before.” (Reported by Muslim, 1976). This is from the bounty of Allaah towards us: for fasting one day He gives us expiation for the sins of a whole year. And Allaah is the Owner of Great Bounty.
Imaam al-Nawawi (rh) said regarding this day: “It expiates for all minor sins, i.e., it brings forgiveness of all sins except major sins.”
'Abdullah bin 'Umar (RA) reported: People of pre-Islamic days used to observe Fast on the Day of 'Ashura' and the Messenger of Allah (SAW) observed it and the Muslims too (observed it) before Fasting in Ramadan became obligatory. But when it became obligatory, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: 'Ashura' is one of the days of Allah, so if you wish you may fast on that day otherwise you may abandon it. (Sahih Muslim, 1901)
Fasting the 9th Muharram (Taasoo’aa’)
‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abbaas (RA) said: “When the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) fasted on ‘Aashooraa’ and commanded the Muslims to fast as well, they said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, it is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.’ The Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said, ‘If I live to see the next year, InshaAllaah, we will fast on the ninth day too.’ But it so happened that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) passed away before the next year came.” (Reported by Muslim, 1916).
Al-Shafi and his companions, Ahmad, Ishaaq and others said: “It is mustahabb to fast on both the ninth and tenth days, because the Prophet (SAW) fasted on the tenth, and intended to fast on the ninth.”
Al-Nawawi (rh) said: “The scholars – our companions and others – mentioned several reasons why it is mustahabb to fast on Taasoo’aa’:
the intention behind it is to be different from the Jews, who only venerate the tenth day. This opinion was reported from Ibn ‘Abbaas…
the intention is to add another day’s fast to ‘Aashooraa’. This is akin to the prohibition on fasting a Friday by itself, as was mentioned by al-Khattaabi and others
May Allah(SWT) accept our meagre efforts and bless us with His(SWT) abounding Mercy, and surely He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.
It is Sunnah to fast the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, especially the day of `Arafah, for those who are not performing Hajj. This is confirmed by the following hadiths:
1. Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) is reported to have said that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Fasting on the day of `Arafah is an expiation for two years, the year preceding it and the year following it. Fasting the day of `Ashurah is an expiation for the year preceding it." (Reported by "the group," except for Al-Bukhari and At-Tirmidhi)
2. One of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Allah’s Messenger used to fast the [first] nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, the day of `Ashurah, and three days of each month." (Reported by Abu Dawud).
3. `Uqbah ibn `Aamr (may Allah be pleased with him) is reported to have said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The day of `Arafah [for those performing Hajj], the day of sacrifice, and the days of Tashreeq are `Eids (feasts) for us – the people of Islam – and they are days of eating and drinking."
4- Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade fasting on the day of `Arafah for one who is actually at `Arafah." (Reported by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, An-Nasa'i, and Ibn Majah).
The Prophet said, "No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijja)." Then some companions of the Prophet said, "Not even Jihad?" He replied, "Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah's sake) and does not return with any of those things."
1.Allah (swt) swears an oath by them, and swearing an oath by something is indicative of its importance and great benefit.
2.The Prophet (pbuh) testified that these are the best days of this world, and encouraged people to do righteous deeds on these days.
Among the good deeds which the Muslim should strive to do during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah are:
1.Fasting. It is Sunnah to fast on the ninth day of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) urged us to do good deeds during this time, and fasting is one of the best of deeds.
2.Takbeer. It is Sunnah to say Takbeer ("Allahu akbar"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillaah"), Tahleel ("La ilaha ill-Allah") and Tasbeeh ("Subhaan Allah") during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, and to say it loudly in the mosque, the home, the street and every place where it is permitted to remember Allah and mention His name out loud, as an act of worship and as a proclamation of the greatness of Allah, may He be exalted. Men should recite these phrases out loud, and women should recite them quietly.
3.Doing more good deeds in general, because good deeds are beloved by Allah and will bring a great reward from Him. Whoever is not able to go to Hajj should occupy himself at this blessed time by worshipping Allah, praying (salaat), reading Qur’an, remembering Allah, making supplication (du’aa’), giving charity, honoring his parents, upholding the ties of kinship, enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, and other good deeds and acts of worship.
4.Sacrifice. One of the good deeds that will bring a person closer to Allah during these ten days is offering a sacrifice, by choosing a high-quality animal and fattening it, spending money for the sake of Allah.
5.Sincere repentance. One of the most important things to do during these ten days is to repent sincerely to Allah and to give up all kinds of disobedience and sin.
Repentance means coming back to Allah and foregoing all the deeds, open and secret, that He dislikes, out of regret for what has passed, giving it up immediately and being determined never to return to it, but to adhere firmly to the Truth by doing what Allah loves.
There is much to be gained, so make the most of the opportunity afforded by these invaluable and irreplaceable ten days. Hasten to do good works, before death strikes, before one can regret one’s negligence and failure to act, before one is asked to return to a place where no prayers will be answered, before death intervenes between the hopeful one and the things he hopes for, before you are trapped with your deeds in the grave.
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Fasting in Muharram - Ashoora & Taasoo'aa
The Sacred month of Muharram
Hadhrat Ali Radhi-Allâhu ‘anhu narrates that he was once sitting with Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam when a person asked, “O Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam! Besides the month of Ramadhân, in which month would you advise me to fast?” Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam replied, “If you wish to fast in any month after Ramadhân, then fast in the month of Muharram because this is Allâh’s month. It has a day in which Allâh Ta’âla had accepted the repentance of a nation and in which Allâh Ta’âla will accept the repentance of others also.”The nation whose Taubah (repentance) was accepted on a day in this month was the Bani Isrâ’eel. It was on the 10th of Muharram (Âshura) that the Bani Isrâ’eel (the Jews) and Hadhrat Moosa Alayhis-Salâm were saved from Fir’aun and his army.
Muharram is one of the four sacred months. Abu Bakrah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “The year is twelve months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhu’l-Qa’dah, Dhu’l-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab Mudar which comes between Jumaada and Sha’baan.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 2958).
“Verily, the number of months with Allaah is twelve months (in a year), so it was ordained by Allaah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them, four are sacred. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein…” [al-Tawbah 9:36]
It was reported that Ibn ‘Abbaas said that this phrase (so wrong not yourselves therein…) referred to all the months, then these four were singled out and made sacred, so that sin in these months is more serious and good deeds bring a greater reward.
Qatadah said concerning this phrase (so wrong not yourselves therein…) that wrongdoing during the sacred months is more serious and more sinful that wrongdoing at any other time. Wrongdoing at any time is a serious matter, but Allaah gives more weight to whichever of His commands He will. Allaah has chosen certain ones of His creation. He has chosen from among the angels Messengers and from among mankind Messengers. He chose from among speech the remembrance of Him (dhikr). He chose from among the earth the mosques, from among the months Ramadaan and the sacred months, from among the days Friday and from among the nights Laylat al-Qadr, so venerate that which Allaah has told us to venerate. People of understanding and wisdom venerate the things that Allaah has told us to venerate. (Tafseer Ibn Katheer).
Fasting in Muharram
In this month the 10th day (Ashura) was one which Rasoolillah(SAW) recommended fasting on. Ibn Abbas reported: "The Prophet came to Madinah and found the Jews fasting the day of Ashura. He asked them: "Why are you fasting this day?" They said: "This is a great day. Allah saved Mousa (Moses) and the tribes of Israel from their enemies on this day and therefore Mousa fasted on it. "The Prophet said: "We have more of a right to Mousa than you." So he fasted on that day also and ordered the people to fast on that day." [al-Bukhari and Muslim].
When the Prophet (SAW) fasted the day of Ashura, the people told him that this day is a day that Jews and Christians honor. The Prophet said: "When the following year comes, Allah willing, we shall fast both the ninth and the tenth day of Muharram (that is to be different from the Jews and the Christians.)" The Prophet (SAW) died before the following year."[Muslim].
A version narrated by Imaam Ahmad adds: “This is the day on which the Ark settled on Mount Joodi, so Nooh fasted this day in thanksgiving.”
The month of Muharram is the first month of the lunar year began this year on Thursday 10th February 2005. This blessed month was mentioned in the following hadith: Abu Hurairah reported: "I asked the Prophet: "Which prayer is best after the obligatory prayers?" He said: "Prayer during the middle of the night." I asked: "Which fast is best after the fast of Ramadhan?" He said: "Fasting during the month of Muharram." [Muslim].
It was also reported that the Prophet (SAW) used to fast on ‘Aashooraa’ in Makkah, before he migrated to Madeenah. When he migrated to Madeenah, he found the Jews celebrating this day, so he asked them why, and they replied as described in the hadeeth quoted above. He commanded the Muslims to be different from the Jews, who took it as a festival, as was reported in the hadeeth of Abu Moosa (RA), who said: “The Jews used to take the day of ‘Aashooraa’ as a festival [In a hadith collected in Sahih Muslim: the Jews of Khaybar used to take it as a festival and their women would wear their jewellery and symbols on that day]. The Prophet (SAW) said: ‘So you [Muslims] should fast on that day.’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari). Apparently the motive for commanding the Muslims to fast on this day was the desire to be different from the Jews, so that the Muslims would fast when the Jews did not, because people do not fast on a day of celebration. (Paraphrased al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar (rh) from Fath al-Bari).
Al-‘Izz ibn ‘Abd al-Salaam (rh) said: “Times and places may be given preferred status in two ways, either temporal or religious/spiritual. With regard to the latter, this is because Allaah bestows His generosity on His slaves at those times or in those places, by giving a greater reward for deeds done, such as giving a greater reward for fasting in Ramadaan than for fasting at all other times, and also on the day of ‘Aashooraa’, the virtue of which is due to Allaah’s generosity and kindness towards His slaves on that day…” (Qawaa’id al-Ahkaam, 1/38).
Ibn Qudaamah (rh) said:
‘Aashooraa’ is the tenth day of Muharram. This is the opinion of Sa’eed ibn al-Musayyib and al-Hasan. It was what was reported by Ibn ‘Abbaas, who said: ‘The Messenger of Allaah (SAW) commanded us to fast ‘Aashooraa’, the tenth day of Muharram.’ (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, who said, a saheeh hasan hadeeth). It was reported that Ibn ‘Abbaas said: ‘The ninth,’ and reported that the Prophet (SAW) used to fast the ninth. (Reported by Muslim). ‘Ataa’ reported that he said, ‘Fast the ninth and the tenth, and do not be like the Jews.’ If this is understood, we can say on this basis that it is mustahabb (encouraged) to fast on the ninth and the tenth, for that reason. This is what Ahmad said, and it is the opinion of Ishaaq.”
Virtues of fasting Ashoora
Ibn ‘Abbaas (RA) said: “I never saw the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of ‘Aashooraa’, and this month, meaning Ramadaan.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 1867).
Furthermore, Rasoolillah (SAW) said: “For fasting the day of ‘Aashooraa’, I hope that Allaah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before.” (Reported by Muslim, 1976). This is from the bounty of Allaah towards us: for fasting one day He gives us expiation for the sins of a whole year. And Allaah is the Owner of Great Bounty.
Imaam al-Nawawi (rh) said regarding this day: “It expiates for all minor sins, i.e., it brings forgiveness of all sins except major sins.”
'Abdullah bin 'Umar (RA) reported: People of pre-Islamic days used to observe Fast on the Day of 'Ashura' and the Messenger of Allah (SAW) observed it and the Muslims too (observed it) before Fasting in Ramadan became obligatory. But when it became obligatory, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: 'Ashura' is one of the days of Allah, so if you wish you may fast on that day otherwise you may abandon it. (Sahih Muslim, 1901)
Fasting the 9th Muharram (Taasoo’aa’)
‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abbaas (RA) said: “When the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) fasted on ‘Aashooraa’ and commanded the Muslims to fast as well, they said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, it is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.’ The Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said, ‘If I live to see the next year, InshaAllaah, we will fast on the ninth day too.’ But it so happened that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) passed away before the next year came.” (Reported by Muslim, 1916).
Al-Shafi and his companions, Ahmad, Ishaaq and others said: “It is mustahabb to fast on both the ninth and tenth days, because the Prophet (SAW) fasted on the tenth, and intended to fast on the ninth.”
Al-Nawawi (rh) said: “The scholars – our companions and others – mentioned several reasons why it is mustahabb to fast on Taasoo’aa’:
the intention behind it is to be different from the Jews, who only venerate the tenth day. This opinion was reported from Ibn ‘Abbaas…
the intention is to add another day’s fast to ‘Aashooraa’. This is akin to the prohibition on fasting a Friday by itself, as was mentioned by al-Khattaabi and others
May Allah(SWT) accept our meagre efforts and bless us with His(SWT) abounding Mercy, and surely He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.