Abu Maalik Kamaal bin As-Sayyid
Saalim wrote:
It is recommended to observe a lot of fasting in the month of al-Muharram
based on the hadeeth of Aboo Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) who
reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “The
best fast after Ramadaan is in the month of Allaah[1] al-Muharram and
the best prayer next after the prescribed prayers is prayer at night.”[2]
It is highly recommended to fast on the 10th of al-Muharram
(Aashoora’). Aboo Qataadah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the
Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Fasting the day of
Aashoora’ (is of great merits). I hope that Allaah will accept it as expiation
for the sins committed in the previous year.”[3] When Ibn ‘Abbaas
(may Allaah be pleased with him) was asked about fasting on the day of
Aashoora. He said: ‘I do not know Allaah’s Messenger singling out any day’s
fast and considering it more excellent than another, except this day (the day
of Aashoora), and this month, meaning the month of Ramadaan.”[4]
It is also recommended to fast on the 9th of al-Muharram
based on the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas who said: “The Messenger of Allaah
(sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) fasted on the day of Aashoora and instructed
people to observe it. Then they said: “It is a day that the Jews and Christians
venerate. Thereupon the Messenger of Allaah said: “When the following
year comes, Allaah willing, we shall fast on the ninth.” He (Ibn ‘Abbaas)
said: “However, the death of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alayhi wa
sallam) came before the following year.”[5]
Imaam Maalik, ash-Shaafi’ee and Ahmad were of the view that it is
recommended to fast both 9th and 10th of al-Muharram
in order to avoid resembling the Jews in singling out the 10th of
al-Muharram for worship.
Note: Some scholars have stated that it is recommended to fast the
11th of al-Muharram along with the 9th and 10th using
as proof what was reported from Ibn ‘Abbaas that the Prophet (sallallaahu
alayhi wa sallam) said: “Fast the day of Aashoora and be different from
the Jews; fast a day before it and a day after it.” However this
hadeeth is very weak. So, it does not contain proof recommending
fasting of the 11th of Muharram. So take note.
Source: Saheeh Fiqh as-Sunnah, Vol. 2, p. 135 by Abu Maalik Kamaal
bin As-Sayyid Saalim. Translated by Abdus-Samee’ Abdus-Salaam.
[1] The phrase ‘the month of
Allaah’ is indicative of the veneration this month deserves, as it is
attributed to Allaah (in a genitive or idaafah phrase).
[2] Recorded by Muslim,
an-Nasaa’ee in al-Kubra and Ibn Maajah
[3] Recorded by Muslim
[4] Recorded by Muslim
[5] Recorded by Muslim
