Virtues and Fasting of Ashura

The Day of `Ashura’, the tenth of Muḥarram, is a day of great historical significance to Muslims everywhere.

It has been narrated that the Day of `Ashura’ is the day on which Allah (SWT) forgave our father Adam (AS), the day on which the Ark of Nuḥ (AS) came to rest on the mountain known as Al-Jūdī and it was day on which Allah forgave the people of Yūnus (AS).

Ibn 'Abbas ( May Allah be pleased with him) reported that when the Messenger of Allah (SAW) arrived in Medina and found the Banee Israeel observing fast on the day of 'Ashura. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said to them: What is the (significance) of this day that you observe fast on it? They said: It is the day of great (significance) when Allah delivered Musa (AS) and his people, and drowned the Pharaoh and his people, and Musa observed fast out of gratitude and we also observe it.Upon this the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: We have more right, and we have a closer connection with Musa than you have; so Allah's Messenger (SAW) observed fast (on the day of 'Ashura), and gave orders that it should be observed. [Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]

In another hadith we are told that fasting the day of `Ashura' expiates the sins of the previous year.

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, Fasting the day of `Ashura' (is of great merit), I hope that Allah will accept it as an expiation for (the sins committed in) the previous year. [Sahih Muslim]

Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

We should fast on two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram to distinguish ourselves from the Jewish community. [Sahih At-Tirmidhi] 

We ask Allah (SWT) to accept our fast. Ameen