Hadith Text and Reference

"The Messenger of Allah ordered fasting the tenth day for the Day of Ashura." (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 755)

Context and Significance

This hadith from The Book on Fasting by Jami' at-Tirmidhi establishes the legislative foundation for observing the fast of Ashura, which falls on the 10th of Muharram.

Scholars explain that this practice existed among the Quraysh during the pre-Islamic period and was later confirmed and perfected in Islamic law.

Legal Ruling and Implementation

The majority of scholars consider fasting Ashura to be a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah mu'akkadah), with some early scholars considering it obligatory before the legislation of Ramadan.

Imam Ahmad and others recommended fasting both the 9th and 10th of Muharram to distinguish Muslim practice from that of the Jews who fasted only the 10th.

Spiritual Benefits

Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet said: "I hope from Allah that fasting the day of Ashura will atone for the sins of the previous year." (Muslim)

This indicates the tremendous spiritual reward associated with this observance, making it among the most virtuous voluntary fasts after Ramadan.