Most of us have been hearing around about the Fasting on 9th and 10th of Ashoora. At a point we’re asking around, trying to figure out more things about the fast.
However, to clear the understanding of the days. Let’s look into the report that this was the teaching of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)?
Before going further, be clear that It is recommended to fast both the ninth and the tenth of ‘Ashoora’ because the Prophet (peace be upon him) fasted the tenth and intended to fast the ninth.
It is recommended to fast on the 9th of ‘Ashoora’ with the 10th
In a narration by Muslim, ( in the Hadith no. 1916 ) ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora and told the people to fast, they said, “O Messenger of Allaah, this is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Next year, if Allaah wills, we will fast on the ninth day.” But by the time the following year came, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had passed away.
Why Fasting on 9th and 10th of Ashoora?
If you are to ask, the reason behind Fasting on 9th and 10th of Ashoora?
Here’s is what you need to understand.
Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: The scholars among our companions and others said that there are several reasons for recommending fasting on the ninth day (Tasoo’a’):
First, the intention behind it is to be different from the Jews who limit their fasting to the tenth day. This was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas.
Second, it was to join the fast of ‘Ashoora’ to another day, just as it is not allowed to fast on a Friday on its own.
One should fasts the day before or the day after as well.
However, the strongest of these reasons is to be different from the People of the Book.
O be clear about this. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade resembling the People of the Book in many ahaadeeth. For example, he said concerning ‘Ashoora’: “If I live until next year I will certainly fast the ninth.” – Al-Fataawa al-Kubra, part 6
By now it should be clear that Fasting on 9th and 10th of Ashoora is allowed in Islam as the Hadiths listed above explain.
In case you don’t know, the 9th of Ashoora in 2021 is supposed to be Wednesday, 18th August, 2021.