Ihyaaud Deen An Effort to Revive Deen in Totality
Prior to performing Hijrah, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) would observe the fast of Aashura in Makkah Mukarramah. After migrating to Madinah Munawwarah, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) witnessed the Jews of Madinah Munawwarah fasting on the day of Aashura.
When Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) inquired from them as to the reason for their fasting on this day, they explained that it was on this day that Allah Ta’ala had saved Nabi Musa (alaihis salaam) and the Bani Israa’eel from the tyranny and oppression of Fir’oun and his people, and Allah Ta’ala destroyed Fir’oun and his army. Hence, in an expression of gratitude and thanks to Allah Ta’ala, Nabi Musa (alaihis salaam) fasted on this day, and it was in emulation of Nabi Musa S that they were fasting.
Hearing this, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) remarked, “We are more worthy of emulating Nabi Musa (alaihis salaam) than you.” Thereafter, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) continued fasting on this day, and ordered the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) to fast on this day as well. (Saheeh Bukhaari #2004 & Saheeh Muslim #1130)
The Fast of Aashurah Being Fardh before the Fast of Ramadhaan
Initially, before the fast of Ramadhaan became compulsory, the fast of Aashura was Fardh (obligatory) on the ummah. When the fast of Ramadhaan became compulsory, the fast of Aashura no longer remained fardh, but became optional (Sunnah).
Hazrat Aa’isha (radhiyallahu ‘anha) mentioned, “In the pre-Islamic era, the Quraish would fast on the day of Aashura, and Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) also observed the fast of Aashura. After migrating to Madinah Munawwarah, Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) continued with this noble practice (of fasting on the day of Aashura) and instructed the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) to fast on this auspicious day (as it was made obligatory). However, after the fast of Ramadhaan became obligatory, it became the only fardh fast, and fasting on the day of Aashura no longer remained Fardh. (Rather, it was made Sunnah [optional].)” (Muwatta Imaam Maalik #842)
After the fasts of Ramadhaan became compulsory, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) continued to observe the sunnah fast of Aashura until the end of his blessed life. Similarly, the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) also fasted on this auspicious day of Aashura. However, prior to his demise, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) commanded the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) to fast an extra day in order to oppose the Jews.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Observe the fast of Aashura and oppose the Jews by also fasting a day before or after i.e. the 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th of Muharram.” (Sunan Kubra lil-Bayhaqi #8406 & Talkhees-ul-Habeer #931)
