Summary
| What is the date of the Ashura Day Fast? | 28th July 2023 in Saudi Arabia 29th July 2023 in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh |
| What is the Ashura Day Fast? | A highly recommended sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ |
| What is the benefit (fazilat) of Ashura fast according to hadith? | Allah SWT forgives the sins from the previous year. |
| What is the Niyat for Arafat Day Fast? | “I’m fasting on Arafat Day to follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and hope for the best reward from Allah SWT” |
| What should you do while fasting on Ashura? | Offer namaz, recite Quran, and make lots of Dua. |
Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, is among the most significant days of the Islamic calendar. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fasted on the Day of Ashura and encouraged his Sahaba to do the same.
In this detailed guide, we will tell you the importance of Ashura Fast, its history, benefits, and exact date in 2023.
Let’s go.
Ashura Fasting Date 2023 | When To Fast On 10th Muharram?
Ashura fast is observed on the 10th of Muharram ul Haram every year. The 2023 Ashur Day fast will be observed on Friday, 28th July 2023, in Saudi Arabia.
In Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, the Ashura Day fast will be observed on 29th July 2023, Saturday.
However, the exact date of the Ashura Day fast will be determined by the moonsighting for Muharram. So, stay in touch with your local mosque and scholars to find the day of the 10th Muharram in your country.
What Is The Ashura Fast In Islam?
Ashura Day fast is a sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It is the most significant fast after Ramadan and Arafat Day fast.
Since the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Muslims have observed this fast with utmost importance.
Because of the significance of the Ashura Day fast, many Muslim countries have a public holiday on the 10th of Muharram ul Haram.
Fasting on this day has numerous benefits and virtues, as you’ll find out in the following sections.
Why Do We Fast On Ashura?
Some people believe the Ashura Day fast is observed I’m the memory of Hazrat Imam Hussain, who was mercilessly martyred along with his family by Yazid’s forces.
People think the 10th Muharram fast helps us remember the suffering of Imam Hussain’s family as they were without food and water for several days.
However, this is not the original reason why Muslims fast on Ashura.
Ashura has been a blessed day for thousands of years because of various religious and historical events. The Prophet ﷺ used to fast on Ashura, well before the martyrdom of Imam Hussain.
So, while we can use this fast to remember Imam Hussain’s struggle, its original reason is different.
We fast because Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said so.
Hazrat Ibn e Abbas رضي الله عنه said:
قَالَ مَا عَلِمْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم صَامَ يَوْمًا يَتَحَرَّى فَضْلَهُ عَلَى الأَيَّامِ إِلاَّ هَذَا الْيَوْمَ يَعْنِي شَهْرَ رَمَضَانَ وَيَوْمَ عَاشُورَاءَ .
“I do not know that the Prophet fasted any day because of its virtue, except this day” meaning the month of Ramadan and the day of Ashura.’ (Nasa’i 2370)
We fast because it is a sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This is why Hazrat Umar Ibn Khattab رضي الله عنه also encouraged Sahaba to observe this fast.
وَحَدَّثَنِي عَنْ مَالِكٍ، أَنَّهُ بَلَغَهُ أَنَّ عُمَرَ بْنَ الْخَطَّابِ، أَرْسَلَ إِلَى الْحَارِثِ بْنِ هِشَامٍ أَنَّ غَدًا، يَوْمُ عَاشُورَاءَ فَصُمْ وَأْمُرْ أَهْلَكَ أَنْ يَصُومُوا .
Umar ibn al-Khattab had sent (the following message) to al-Harith ibn Hisham, ”Tomorrow is the day of Ashura, so fast (it) and tell your family to fast (also).” (Source)
We fast because Prophet Muhammad encouraged Muslims to observe as many fasts as possible in the month of Muharram.
Ibn e Abbas رضي الله عنه said:
وعن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم صام يوم عاشوراء، وأمر بصيامه. ((متفق عليه))
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) observed Saum (fasting) on the day of ‘Ashura’ and commanded us to fast on this day. (Riyad as-Saliheen 1251)
And we fast because Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has described various rewards for those who fast on Ashura Day.
Ashura Fasting Hadith | A Brief History Of Fasting On 10th Muharram
According to various narrations, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to fast on the Day of Ashura even before Prophethood because it was a practice in Quraish.
The Prophet ﷺ continued this practice for years, even after Islam. Then, when he migrated to Madinah, the local Sahaba mentioned that the Jews of Madinah also observed this fast because Prophet Moses (Musa) defeated the Pharoah (Firoun) on the day of Arafah.
Upon knowing this, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that Musa was my brother. So, we’re more worthy of this fast. He then ordered everyone to observe this fast.
حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مَسْلَمَةَ، عَنْ مَالِكٍ، عَنْ هِشَامِ بْنِ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ قَالَتْ كَانَ يَوْمُ عَاشُورَاءَ تَصُومُهُ قُرَيْشٌ فِي الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ، وَكَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَصُومُهُ، فَلَمَّا قَدِمَ الْمَدِينَةَ صَامَهُ، وَأَمَرَ بِصِيَامِهِ، فَلَمَّا فُرِضَ رَمَضَانُ تَرَكَ يَوْمَ عَاشُورَاءَ، فَمَنْ شَاءَ صَامَهُ، وَمَنْ شَاءَ تَرَكَهُ.
Aisha رضي الله عنها narrates:
“Quraish used to fast on the day of ‘Ashura’ in the Pre-Islamic period, and Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) too, used to fast on that day. When he came to Medina, he fasted on that day and ordered others to fast, too. Later when the fasting of the month of Ramadan was prescribed, he gave up fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’, and it became optional for one to fast on it or not.” (Bukhari)
The Prophet emphasized this fast so much that he never skipped it.
وَعَنْ حَفْصَةَ قَالَتْ: أَرْبَعٌ لَمْ يَكُنْ يَدَعُهُنَّ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «صِيَامُ عَاشُورَاءَ وَالْعَشْرِ وَثَلَاثَةُ أَيَّامٍ مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ وَرَكْعَتَانِ قبل الْفجْر» . رَوَاهُ النَّسَائِيّ
Hafsa رضي الله عنها said there were four things the Prophet never omitted: fasting on ‘Ashura’, the first ten days of Dhul Hijja* and three days every month, and praying two rak’as before dawn. (Source)
Later, to distinguish Muslims from the Jews, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that we would also fast on the 9th Muharram the next year so that we observe fasts and seem distinct from the Jews.
وَعَن ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ قَالَ: حِينَ صَامَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَوْمَ عَاشُورَاءَ وَأَمَرَ بِصِيَامِهِ قَالُوا: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنَّهُ يَوْمٌ يُعَظِّمُهُ الْيَهُودُ وَالنَّصَارَى. فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «لَئِنْ بَقِيتُ إِلَى قَابِلٍ لأصومن التَّاسِع» . رَوَاهُ مُسلم
When God’s messenger fasted on the day of ‘Ashura’ and commanded that it should be observed as a fast, he was told it was a day held in honour by Jews and Christians, and said, “If I am spared till next year I shall fast on the ninth.” (Source)
However, the Prophet ﷺ passed away later that year and didn’t get another Ashura Day.
Ashura Fasting Benefits According To Hadith
The Ashura Day fast has numerous virtues and benefits mentioned in the hadith by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
In one Hadith, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that whoever fasts on the Day of Ashura, his sins for the previous year would be forgiven.
وعن أبي قتادة رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم سئل عن صيام يوم عاشوراء فقال: “يكفر السنة الماضية” ((رواه مسلم)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about observing As-Saum (the fast) on the tenth day of Muharram, and he replied, “It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year.” (Source)
Remember that Ashura Day fast is optional.
But because of its virtues, most Sahaba used to fast on the 10th Muharram even after the Prophet passed away. And this has been the way of pious Muslims ever since.
So, if possible, one should fast on Ashura Day to earn the rewards mentioned in the Hadith.
How To Fast On Ashura? 9th And 10th Muharram Both?
As mentioned in one of the hadith above, when Prophet Muhammad ﷺ found out that Jews also fasted on Ashura, he announced he would fast on the 9th of Muharram along with Ashura Day fast next year, to distinguish Muslim practices from the Jews.
However, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ passed away before that.
In this context, scholars have recommended fasting on both 9th and 10th Muharram ul Haram. If not 9th Muharram, then one should fast on 11th Muharram along with Ashura Day.
However, most scholars agree that even if you fast on 10th Muharram only, it is still permissible because the Prophet ﷺ did so. Also, most Jews no longer follow the Islamic calendar dates. So there’s no chance of imitating them on by fasting on Ashura.
Therefore, it is better to fast on both 9th and 10th Muharram. But you can also fast on 10th Muharram only.
Ashura Fast Niyat And Dua
Ashura Day fast is observed like any other Nafl fast. You must wake up before Fajr time and eat Suhoor. After that, you must make the Niyat of Ashura Day fast.
There are no specific words for the Ashura Day fast niyat. So, you can simply say it in your own language as well.
“I’m fasting on the Day of Ashura to fulfil the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and hope for the best reward from Allah SWT”
You don’t need to say this aloud because Niyat means intention. So, as long as you have this intention in your heart, it’s enough.
What Ibadat To Do During Ashura Fast?
Fasting on Ashura is a virtuous act and a Sunnah of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. While fasting on this blessed day, you can do the following ibaadat to enhance your reward.
- Offer nafl namaz on the day of Ashura.
- Recite the Holy Quran
- Remember Allah Taala by doing Zikr
- Make dua
- Read Durood Sharif frequently
- Spend in charity.
There are no fixed ibaadat for Ashura day except for fasting. You’re free to perform any Ibaadat/prayer as long as you don’t invent something new and make it compulsory for yourself.
For example, some people forward messages of Namaz e Ashura and mention special rewards for those prayers. There’s nothing in Hadith about such prayers. However, you can offer regular nafl or any other prayers you want without associating special virtues with them.
Sehri And Iftar Time For Ashura Fast 2023, 10th Muharram
The Sehri time for the Ashura Day fast on 10th Muharram ends at 4:26 AM in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The Iftar time in Makkah for Ashura Day fast is 7:03 PM.
However, this time will be different in every region. So, whether you’re living in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh or any other country, check your city’s local Fajr time and end your Suhoor before it.
Similarly, check your local Sunset time and make Iftar after it.
Ashura Iftar Dua
Ashura Day Fast is an excellent opportunity to make dua because Allah SWT accepted the repentance of many nations on this blessed day.
So, apart from making Dua after every namaz on the Day of Ashura, make special dua at the time of Iftar.
When it’s maghrib time and the sun has set, recite the dua for iftar to break your fast.
اللَّهُمَّ اِنِّى لَكَ صُمْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ اَفْطَرْتُ
Transliteration: Allahumma Laka Sumtu Wa Ala Rizqika Aftartu
Translation: O Allah! I observed this fast for you and break it with the food you’ve given me.
Then after breaking your fast, recite this dua
ﺫَﻫَﺐَ ﺍﻟﻈَّﻤَﺄُ ﻭَﺍﺑْﺘَﻠَّﺖْ ﺍﻟْﻌُﺮُﻭﻕُ ﻭَﺛَﺒَﺖَ ﺍﻷَﺟْﺮُ ﺇِﻥْ ﺷَﺎﺀَ ﺍﻟﻠَّﻪُ
Transliteration: Zahabaz Zama’u Wabtallatil Urooqu Wa Sabatal Ajru Insha Allah
Translation: Thirst has gone, the arteries are moist, and the reward is sure, if Allah wills.
Should You Have A Special Menu For Ashura Fast Iftar?
Some scholars say that treating your family with a better dinner than usual is recommended on the Day of Ashura.
So, with this intention, spending more on your family on the Day of Ashura is Mustahab and should be done if convenient.
However, there’s no specific menu for Ashura Day, and you can eat anything you want as long as it’s Halal.
Ashura 9 Aur 10 Muharram Ka Roza Rakhna (Urdu/Hindi)
Ashura kay din ka roza Rasoolullah ﷺ na sirf khud pabandi se rakha kartay thay balkay Sahab Ikram ko bhi iski talqeen farmaya kartay thay.
Hazrat Aisha farmati hain kay Nabuwwat se pehle bhi Rasoolullah ﷺ Ashura ka roza rakhtay thay. Nabuwwat ke baad bhi ap ﷺ ka yehi tarika tha.
Uske baad jab Ap ﷺ Madina Munawwara tashreef lae to wahan ke logo ne bataya ke ye roza to Yahood bhi rakhtay hain.
Is par Ap ﷺ ne farmaya ke aglay saal se hum 9 Muharram ka roza bhi 10 ke sath rakha karengay takay Yahood se mushabihat na ho.
Ramazan ul Mubarak ke rozay farz honay se pehle, Youm e Ashura ka Roza farz tha. Lekin Ramazan ke rozay farz honay ke baad ye Roza Nafli ho gya. Ab jiski marzi ho rakhay, aur joi chahay chor day.
Lekin Rasoolullah ﷺ ne iskay bohat fazail bayan farmae hain.
Youm e Ashura Kay Rozay Ki Niyat
Ashoora ka roza aam Nafli rozo ki tarha rakha jaega. Iske liye Sehri karna bhi sunnat hai. Jab sehri kar lain to Ashura kay din kay rozay ki niyat karain.
Ap ye niyat apni zaban main bhi kar saktay hain kyu ke Hadith main koi khaas alfaaz nahi atay.
“Main Rasoolullah ﷺ ki ittiba main Ashura ke din kay rozay ki niyat karta hu aur Allah taala se iske ajar ki ummeed rakhta hu”
Ye niyat zaban se kehna zaruri nahi kyuke niyat ka talluq dil se hai.
Ashura Ke Din Roza Ki Fazilat
Ahura Kay Rozay ki hadith main bohat fazilat aee hai. Bohat se Sahab Ikram se marwi hai ke Rasoolullah ﷺ kabhi ye roza nahi chortay thay.
Ek Sahabi ne Aap ﷺ se is roza ke baray main pucha to Ap ﷺ ne farmaya
“Mujhe ummeed hai ke Ashura ke rozay se pichle aik saal ke gunah muaaf ho jaengay”
Is liye is rozay ka khoob ehtimam karna chahye aur apne ghar walo ko bhi iski takeed karni chahye.