“So remind verily the reminder benefits the believer”
[Dhariyat: 55]
Another year has gone by and the month of Muharram has begun. A month, filled with virtues. First being, the best fasting after that of Ramadan is done in the month of Muharram. So it is highly recommended to increase in fasting during this month.
On the authority of Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه – ‘That the Prophet ﷺ – never aspired for the excellence of a day after ramadan; except the day of ‘Ashura.’ (Narrated by Tabaranee in ‘al-Awasat’, and its isnaad is Hasan with the isnad before it.)
A month of sanctity, not only to the Muslims, but to the Jews as well.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1865) from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said,
The Prophet ﷺ came to Madeenah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Ashoora’. He said, “What is this?” They said, “This is a good day, this is the day when Allaah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy and Moosa fasted on this day.” He said, “We are closer to Moosa than you.” So he fasted on this day and told the people to fast.
Therefore, it is recommended for every Muslim, male and female to fast this day out of gratitude to Allāh, the Mighty and Majestic. And it is the tenth day of al-Muḥarram.
Though the fasting here is mentioned on the tenth, it is sunnah Muakkaddah to fast on the 9th or the 11th along with it, though fasting on the 9th is more established.
“If I live to see the next year, insha’Allah, I will fast on the ninth day too.’
But it so happened that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, passed away before the next year came.” [Reported by Muslim, 1916]
This is done in order for our act to be different from the Jews. Shaykh Ibn Bāz رحمه الله said,
“Therefore the Sunnah for the believer is to fast both the ninth and tenth, or to fast the tenth with the eleventh, or to fast all three days: the ninth, the tenth and the eleventh.”
[فتاوى نور على الدرب ٤٥٧/١٦]
None of us are infallible, this is the very reason Allah ﷻ gives us chance upon chance to rectify and be purified. The fast on the Day of Ashoora not only earns us rewards because we are following the sunnah of the Messenger ﷺ but also, is a means of our sins being forgiven.
Narrated by Muslim and other than him, and by Ibn Majah and his wording is: ‘The fast of the day of ‘Ashura; Indeed the reward that I hope from Allaah is that He expiates the sins of the year before this year.’
So to all those there who are feeling miserable, guilty and hopeless, This day is for you. This day is for all of us. Seize this chance. Fast the two days and your Slate can be wiped clean.
Subhan Allah, Allah ﷻ gives a chance every year to renew our intentions, renew our resolve. The chance will keep coming, but one day we won’t be here to take it.
Grab this opportunity while you’re here, because our days are numbered.
Don’t let the reminder go unheeded, for verily, it is reminders that benefit the believer.
May Allah ﷻ make us among those whose hearts are open to guidance and May He purify us and forgive us!! Aameen.
Written by: Umm Khashi’ah
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