The Fiqh of Fast of Muharram

It is recommended to observe a lot of fasting in the month of 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] Muharram and the best prayer next after the prescribed prayers is prayer at night.”[2]

It is highly recommended to fast on the 10^th of 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 9^th of 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 9^th and 10^th of Muharram in order to avoid resembling the Jews in singling out the 10^th of Muharram for worship.

Note: Some scholars have stated that it is recommended to fast the 11^th of Muharram along with the 9^th and 10^th 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 11^th of Muharram. So take note.

Source: Saheeh Fiqh as-Sunnah, Vol. 2, p. 135 by Aboo Maalik Kamaal bin Sayyid Saalim. Translated by Abdus-Samee Abdus-Salaam.

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[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