The Excellence of Fasting the Month of Muharram & the Day of Aashooraa

Posted on October 29, 2014 by saadburbank

Shaykhul-Islaam Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhaab (d. 1206H) rahimahullaah mentions in his book ‘Aadaab al-Mashy ilas Salaah':

“[And it is from the Sunnah (supererogatory)] to fast the month of Muharram, the best of it being the ninth and the tenth (days). And it is from the Sunnah (recommended) to gather between the two of them (i.e. by fasting the ninth day and tenth day together). And everything that is mentioned regarding the day of `Aashooraa pertaining to actions – other than fasting – then there is no basis for that, rather it is an innovation.”

Shaykh Abdul-Muhsin al-Abaad hafidhahullaah mentions in explanation:

1. That which indicates the excellence of fasting the month of Muharram is the narration of Abu Hurayrah radiyAllaahu `anhu that he said: The Prophet sallAllaahu `alaihi wa sallam said: “The best of fasting after the month of Ramadaan is the month of Allaah, Muharram. And the most excellent prayer after the obligatory prayer is the night prayer.” [Reported by Muslim no. 1163]

2. And that which indicates the excellence of fasting the tenth and ninth days of the month of Muharram is the narration of Abu Qataadah radiyAllaahu `anhu that the Messenger of Allaah was asked about fasting on the day of `Aashooraaa (10th day of Muharram), so he said: “It expiates the sins of the previous year.” [Reported by Muslim no. 1162]

And the narration of Ibn `Abbaas radiyAllaahu `anhumaa that he said: The Messenger of Allaah sallAllaahu `alaihi wa sallam said: “If I live until the next year, I will certainly fast on the ninth day.” [Reported by Muslim no. 1134]

[Source: 'Kutub wa Rasaail Abdul-Muhsin bin Hamad al-Abbaad al-Badr'; vol. 5, pages 331-333]

Translators note: The 9th & 10th days of Muharram for this year, 1436H, coincide with Sunday 2nd & Monday 3rd November 2014CE