Ashura fasting: Why Did the Prophet ﷺ Fast on Ashura?
🌟 Introduction:
Did you know Ashura fasting was done by the Prophet ﷺ before Ramadan became obligatory?
This beautiful Sunnah isn’t just about reward—it’s a moment of deep gratitude to Allah ﷻ. In this story-driven blog, we’ll explore how Prophet Muhammad ﷺ revived a legacy from Prophet Musa عليه السلام, and how you and your children can revive it too!
The Story Behind Ashura Fasting in the Sunnah
When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he observed the Jewish community fasting on Ashura. When he asked why, they said:
“This is a righteous day. It is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy, so Musa fasted on this day.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Out of love for Prophet Musa and gratitude to Allah, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ responded:
“We have more right to Musa than them.”
He fasted Ashura himself and encouraged others to do the same. (Sahih Muslim)
🌙 The Prophet ﷺ and the Fast of Ashura
When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he found that the Jewish community fasted on Ashura. Curious, he asked them why. They replied:
“This is a righteous day. It is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy, so Musa fasted this day.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
What did the Prophet ﷺ do?
Out of love and gratitude to Allah, he said:
“We are closer to Musa than they.”
So he fasted that day—and encouraged his companions to do the same. (Sahih Muslim)
How to Practice the Sunnah of Ashura Fasting Today
The Prophet ﷺ later advised fasting either the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th of Muharram to distinguish the Muslim Ummah from others.
“Fast a day before it or a day after it.” (Ahmad, Ibn Khuzaymah)
💡 Why fast?
To earn forgiveness: “Fasting Ashura expiates the sins of the past year.” (Sahih Muslim)
To follow the beloved Sunnah
To show gratitude like Musa عليه السلام
🧒 For Parents and Teachers: Turn Ashura into a Teaching Moment
Use this Sunnah to create meaningful Islamic lessons for your children or students:
- Storytelling Activity: Act out the scene where Musa عليه السلام crosses the sea with Bani Isra’il.
- Visual Learning: Draw a calendar and mark the 9th and 10th of Muharram with stars.
- Reflective Journal Prompt: “What would you fast for if Allah saved you from something big?”
- Discussion Circle: Talk about gratitude and Tawheed, and how Musa عليه السلام stood up to Pharaoh.
❤️ A Sunnah of Gratitude
Ashura isn’t about mourning—it’s about remembering Allah’s power, honoring our Prophets, and reviving a prophetic Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ loved fasting this day, not because of sadness, but because it’s a day of victory and grateful worship.
Will you fast Ashura this year? 🌙
Involve your family, your students, and your friends. Let’s revive a Sunnah that connects us back to Musa عليه السلام and the mercy of Allah ﷻ.
Comment below: “Yes! I’m fasting Ashura this year!”
📌 Don’t forget to share and tag a friend!
#AshuraFasting #SunnahLife #RootsMuslimSchool #IslamicEducation #Muharram
❤️ Conclusion: A Day of Victory, Not Sadness
Ashura fasting is not a day of mourning—it is a day of shukr (gratitude). It teaches us to celebrate the victories of Tawheed and trust in Allah. Let’s revive this Sunnah with love, knowledge, and unity.
