Fasting on the Day of Ashura: Practical Guide for Muslims

The Day of Ashura is when Allah (SWT) rescued Hazrat Musa (A.S) and his people from the evil of Pharaoh and his army. The Ashura day also marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S) and his companions, who made their last stand against a tyrannical regime, presenting the ultimate sacrifice.

Fasting on Ashura promises forgiveness from sins, according to the following Hadith:

“Abu Qatadah narrated that: the Prophet said: “Fast the Day of Ashura, for indeed I anticipate that Allah will forgive (the sins of) the year before it.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, 752).

The following information will guide you about fasting on the Day of Ashura.

When Is Ashura 2026?       

In Pakistan, 17th June 2026 marked the start of Muharram, 1448 AH. Thus, Friday, 26th June 2026, will be observed as the Day of Ashura.

Which Days Should You Fast?

Islamic scholars recommend fasting on two days rather than only on Ashura. The preferred days are the 9th and 10th of Muharram. However, you can also fast on the 10th and 11th.  Note that two days of fasting were recommended to distinguish from the fasting tradition of the Jews. The following Hadith confirms it:

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “If I remain alive till the next year, I shall also observe fast on the ninth of Muharram.” [Muslim].” (Riyad as-Salihin, 1253)

How to Fast on Ashura: Step-by-Step Practical Guide

Fasting on Ashura is similar to fasting during Ramadan in many ways. You should follow the following steps:

Make Your Intention (Niyyah)

Islam places a lot of importance on Niyyah. The intention for fasting must be to please Allah (SWT) and follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ). It is better to have a pre-dawn intention for voluntary fasting. You can also make a combined intention for both days of fasting. The intention must always be sincere and clear of any possible show and pomp.

Timing of the Fast

Just like Ramadan fasting, the fasting period runs from Fajr (dawn) to Maghrib (sunset). You should have your suhoor before the start of the Fajr prayer call.

What to Avoid

Besides avoiding eating, drinking, smoking, and physical intimacy, you should focus on worshipping Allah (SWT). Avoid wasting time, backbiting, lying, and behaviors prohibited by Islam. Recite the Quran and use this time for meditation and reflection.

What If You Accidentally Eat or Drink?

In case you accidentally eat or drink during fasting, you may continue fasting, and this involuntary act will not break your fast, according to the following hadith:

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever forgets that he is fasting, and eats or drinks is to complete his fast, as it was Allah who fed him and gave him something to drink.”  (Book 5, Hadith 20)

Is Fasting on Ashura Obligatory?

Fasting on Ashura is not obligatory. It is completely voluntary. However, it is a recommended Sunnah. The following hadith clarifies that:

“The Prophet (ﷺ) observed the fast on the 10th of Muharram (‘Ashura), and ordered (Muslims) to fast on that day, but when the fasting of the month of Ramadan was prescribed, the fasting of the ‘Ashura’ was abandoned. `Abdullah did not use to fast on that day unless it coincided with his routine fasting by chance.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1892)

Rewards and Virtues of Fasting on Ashura

Fasting on Ashura isn’t only a promise of immense spiritual rewards, but it is also a Sunnah. Before fasting in Ramadan became obligatory for Muslims, fasting on Ashura was a strong practice.

“Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) ordered (the Muslims) to fast on the day of ‘Ashura’, and when fasting in the month of Ramadan was prescribed, it became optional for one to fast on that day (‘Ashura’) or not.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2001)

Reviving a Sunnah also brings spiritual rewards according to the following Hadith:

“Bilal b. Harith al-Muzani reported God’s messenger as saying, “Whoever revives a sunna of mine which has been neglected after my time will have a reward equal to the rewards of those who act upon it, without their rewards being diminished in any way. But whoever invents a misleading innovation with which God and His messenger are not pleased will be charged with a sin equal to the sins of those who act upon it without that diminishing their loads in any way.”

Tirmidhi transmitted it, and Ibn Majah transmitted it from Kathir b. ‘Abdallah b. ‘Amr from his father from his grandfather. (Mishkat al-Masabih, 168, 169)

Hence, fasting on Ashura means great spiritual blessings, and it is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.

Practical Tips for Fasting on Ashura

• Fasting in summer can be a challenging experience. Therefore, make sure you are well hydrated at Suhoor.
• A clear intention (Niyah) before fasting is important because Islam emphasizes a great deal on planning important actions with the right intention.
• Break your fast with a date, to follow another Sunnah.
• Spend this time worshipping Allah (SWT) and seeking His mercy with the purest of intentions.
• Give Sadaqah to please Allah (SWT) and help someone in need.
• Avoid behavior unbecoming of a good Muslim and control your anger while fasting.

 Conclusion

Muharram is one of the four sacred Islamic months. Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram holds a special significance in the Muslim world. The Prophet (ﷺ) is known to fast on Ashura, and there are many Hadith that confirm the importance of fasting on this sacred day. However, Islamic scholars suggest that instead of fasting for a single day, believers should fast on two days, ideally the 9th and the 10th of Muharram. Fasting on Ashura is similar to fasting during Ramadan in practice. However, it is not an obligatory practice. While fasting on Ashura, make sure that you say your Niyyah, take Suhoor, and spend your time in remembering Allah (SWT) with complete dedication.

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