In the past and present, millions of Muslims have been fasting on Ashoora. This is how it should be because the Prophet (PBUH) regard the fast.
Also fasting on the day expiate minor sins of the past year. However, the major sins need repentance.
Now that you know that, let dive in to explain some more surprising things about Ashoora.
The Reward For Fasting On The Day
In a narration, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Fasting the day of ‘Arafah I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year before it and the year after it, and fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.” Narrated by Muslim, 1162.
Imagine Allah forgiving you for minor sins of the past year. That’s the blessing of Allah.
Like I said earlier, the Prophet (PBUH) also fast on Ashoora. This is explained in this narration.
Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I never saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) so keen to make sure he fasted any day and preferring it over another except this day, the day of ‘Ashoora’, and this month – meaning Ramadaan. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1867.
The Prophet (PBUH) makes sure he fast on the day. If he doesn’t want to miss the blessing of Allah oof Ashoora, what about me and you?
Another Hadith explains the surprising benefit of Ashoora fast.
From al-Bukhaari (1865), Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came to Madeenah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Ashoora’. He said, “What is this?” They said, “This is a good day, this is the day when Allaah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy and Moosa fasted on this day.” He said, “We are closer to Moosa than you.” So he fasted on this day and told the people to fast.
In case it’s not clear, the benefit here means to get closer to Allah and rejoice with Prophet Moosa, who Allah saved from Firawn and his army.
To point out the obvious, Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: The expiation of purification, prayer, and fasting Ramadaan, ‘Arafah and ‘Ashoora’ applies to minor sins only. – Al-Fataawa al-Kubra, part 5
And Allah knows best.
