POBNEWS24, Dhaka, July 29, 2023 : Holy Ashura is the day of remembrance of many prophets and messengers, starting from the history of the creation of the world, including Hazrat Adam (RA), Ibrahim (AS), Musa (AS). In the history of Islam, heartbreaking events like Karbala also happened on this same day. Therefore, this day holds a special status for the Muslim nation and other People of the Book. The Quraysh of Jahili era also honored this day.
They used to fast in honor of this day. In this regard, Ayesha (R.A.) said, Quraish used to fast on the day of Ashura during Jahili period. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) also used to observe that fast. When he migrated to Madinah he still observed that fast and ordered others to observe it.
Then when Ramadan (related verses) was revealed, the fasting of Ramadan became obligatory and the fasting of Ashura was omitted. After that whoever wanted to observe that fast and whoever didn’t wanted to observe it. (Bukhari, Hadith: 4504)
Below are the virtues and rules of Ashura fasting:
Virtues of Fasting Ashura : Fasting Ashura is one of the most important acts for a believer. Fasting on this day has been described in some hadiths as the most virtuous after the fasting of Ramadan.
Abu Huraira (RA) said, Rasulullah (SAW) said, after the fasting of the month of Ramadan, the fasting of the month of Muharram is the most virtuous. (Tirmidhi, Hadith: 740).
In another hadith, it is narrated from Abu Huraira (R.A.), Rasulullah (S.A.W.) said, ‘The best fast after the fast of Ramadan is the fast of Ashura in the month of Muharram.’ (Sunan Kubra, Hadith: 84210)
In another hadith, it is said about the merits of this fast that the sins of the past one year will be forgiven by this fast. It is mentioned in the Hadith Sharif, on the authority of Abu Qatadah (R.A.), that Rasulullah (S.A.W.) said, ‘By fasting on the day of Ashura, I hope for forgiveness from Allah for the sins of the past year.
(Ibn Majah, Hadith: 1738)
Ashura Fasting Day : There are two fasting days of Ashura for Muslims. That is, they have to keep another fast with 10 Muharram. 9-10 or 10-11 can be collected by any method. It is mentioned in Hadith Sharif, Ibn Abbas (R.A.) said, Rasulullah (S.A.W.) ordered to fast Ashura on the tenth day (of Muharram). Hasan has called this hadith narrated from Abu Isa Ibn Abbas (RA). There is disagreement among the scholars regarding the day of Ashura. Some say the 9th (of Muharram), while another group says the 10th. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “You fast on the 9th and 10th (these two days) and (in this case) oppose the Jews.” (Tirmidhi, Hadith: 755)
In a hadith, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said in the last year of his life, ‘If I live next year, I will fast on the 9th of Muharram.’ (Muslim, Hadith: 2557)
Good arrangements for Sahri-Iftar : Just like fasting on the day of Ashura is a reward, it is also a reward for arranging a good meal for the family members during the Sahri Iftar. On the authority of Abdullah (RA), who narrated from the Prophet (PBUH), ‘Whoever shows generosity in his family on the day of Ashura, he will be generous throughout the year.’ (Tabrani, Muzame Kabir, Hadith: 10007; Bayhaqi, Hadith: 3795)
There is a weakness in the narration of this hadith. But according to Ibn Hibban, it is a hadith of ‘Hasan’ or acceptable level. Allama Ibn Taymiyyah (R.A.) claims that there is no hadith in Riji regarding the breadth. It is conceptual. Imam Ahmad (RA) said, it is not pure hadith. However, being ‘Hasan’ cannot be denied due to the fact that there are multiple narrations about it. And it can be done by the hadith of ‘Hasan Ligairhi’ level. (As-Sawaiqul Muhriqa Ala Ahlir Rafji Wad Dalal Waj Jandika: 2/536)
