The Book of Fasting - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2321

Salamah reported that the Messenger of Allah said to a man: 'Announce the day of Ashura. Whoever has eaten let him not eat for the rest of the day, and whoever has not eaten, let him fast.'

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) establishes the ruling concerning the fast of Ashura when one learns of its observance during the daytime. The scholars have explained that if a Muslim becomes aware that it is the day of Ashura after having already consumed food or drink, they should immediately cease from further consumption and maintain the fast for the remainder of the day.

This demonstrates the importance Allah places on this blessed day, which coincides with when Allah saved Prophet Musa and his people from Pharaoh. The Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed us to fast on this day to express gratitude to Allah. The ruling shows that even partial observance of the fast holds merit in the sight of Allah.

The wisdom behind this ruling is to encourage Muslims to seize the opportunity for reward when they become aware of it, even if they missed the initial intention at dawn. This reflects the mercy and flexibility in Islamic legislation, making acts of worship accessible to believers in various circumstances.

Legal Rulings Derived

1. The fast of Ashura is highly recommended (mustahabb) in Islam, observed on the 10th of Muharram.

2. If one learns it is Ashura after having eaten, they should abstain from further consumption and complete the day in fasting.

3. The fast remains valid and rewarded even if the intention was made after dawn, specifically for the day of Ashura.

4. This ruling applies specifically to recommended fasts, unlike obligatory fasts which require intention before dawn.