The Hadith: Reward of Fasting on Ashura
“Fasting on the Day of Ashura, I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before it.”
This is one of the most generous promises in the entire Sunnah for a voluntary act. A single day of fasting — one day, Fajr to Maghrib — and Allah expiates the minor sins of the past year. This is not speculation or scholarly opinion; it is the direct statement of the Prophet ﷺ, preserved in Sahih Muslim.
Which Days Should I Fast?
Option 1: 9th + 10th Muharram (Best)
Toward the end of his life, the Prophet ﷺ said: “If I am alive next year, I will fast the 9th.” (Muslim). Scholars understood from this that the Prophet ﷺ wanted to add the 9th to distinguish the Muslim observance from the Jewish observance (which was only the 10th). Fasting both days is the most complete sunnah.
2026: Fast Wednesday 24 June (9 Muharram) + Thursday 25 June (10 Muharram).
Option 2: 10th + 11th Muharram
Some scholars, drawing on a narration in Musnad Ahmad, say fasting the 10th + 11th is also acceptable to distinguish from the Jewish practice. This is a valid scholarly position though less commonly held.
Option 3: 10th Only
Fasting only the 10th is acceptable and earns the full reward mentioned in the hadith. It is the minimum for observing Ashura. The 9th is sunnah but not obligatory.
Is the Ashura Fast Obligatory?
No. The Ashura fast was obligatory in the early period of Islam in Madinah — before the Ramadan fast was revealed. Once the Ramadan fast was legislated (in the second year of Hijra), the Ashura fast became voluntary (nafl/sunnah). The Prophet ﷺ said at that point: “Whoever wishes to fast [Ashura], let him do so. Whoever wishes to leave it, let him do so.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
It remains one of the most highly recommended voluntary fasts in the year, second only to fasting the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah (particularly Arafah) in seasonal reward.
Does Fasting Ashura Expiate Major Sins?
No. Islamic scholars are unanimous: the Ashura fast expiates minor sins only. Major sins — such as abandoning obligatory prayer, Zina, theft — require sincere repentance (tawbah) with its conditions to be forgiven. However, Ashura is a powerful occasion for that tawbah, and the expiation of minor sins makes it an extraordinary spiritual reset.
Practical Guide: How to Fast on Ashura
- Make niyyah (intention) the night before or before Fajr.
- Eat suhoor before Fajr — the Prophet ﷺ encouraged suhoor for voluntary fasts.
- Abstain from food, drink, and all fasting-nullifiers from Fajr to Maghrib.
- Fill the day with dhikr, Qur'an, and dua — don't just abstain from food.
- Give sadqa — charity on Ashura earns amplified reward in a sacred month.
- Make istighfar — let the expiation work by genuinely seeking forgiveness.
What If I Cannot Fast? (Illness, Pregnancy, Travel)
If you are medically unable to fast — due to chronic illness, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or necessary travel — you are excused. The sincerity of your intention counts in Allah's sight, and you can still access the barakah of Ashura through dhikr, dua, and charity.
Give Sadqa on Ashura
Pair your Ashura fast with charitable giving. The Prophet ﷺ combined worship with generosity throughout his life. Donating to feed the poor, fund a water well, or contribute to a mosque on the Day of Ashura multiplies the spiritual weight of your observance.