Almost every Muslim knows that fasting on the day of Ashura is a Sunnah that is rewarded immensely, but not all of us know why. In this article, we discuss the story behind Ashura, the virtues and rulings of fasting it, and some interesting facts about it.

Ashura is a day on which a great miracle was decreed by Allah, when He, subhanahu-wa-taala, parted a way within the sea, with a mere strike of Prophet Musa’s wooden stick. Allah (swt) saved the Israelites from the unjust pharaoh when his guards surrounded them. He (swt) ordered Prophet Musa (as) to strike the sea with his stick, splitting it, allowing the Israelites to pass, and leaving their enemies to drown. Can you imagine how captivating, yet frightening that might’ve been?

But why have we as Muslims been asked to fast on Ashura? In Sahih Al-Bukhari, it was mentioned that Ibn `Abbas narrated that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) came to Medina and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He asked them about that. They replied, “This is a good day, the day on which Allah rescued Bani Israel from their enemy. So, Moses fasted this day.” Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) then fasted on that day and ordered Muslims to fast on it from then on.

Fasting on this day comes with great rewards! It offers spiritual redemption and allows us the opportunity to repent our minor sins away. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “I hope that Allah will accept it as an expiation for (the sins committed in) the previous year.” (Sahih Muslim)

So, let’s seize the great reward of fasting on such a special day by teaching our kids what it’s all about and sharing these interesting facts:

1- Ashura is observed on the 10th of Muharram of every year, and the word Ashura itself is derived from the Arabic word “Ashara” which means ten.

2- Fasting on the day of Ashura was obligatory before Ramadan and became a Sunnah afterward.

3- It is said that Prophet Nuh (as) and his companions landed on Mount Judiyy on this day as well.

4- Giving charity on ’Ashura is equal to an entire year’s worth of charity.

5- Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) advised believers to fast for another day alongside ’Ashura – the 9th or the 11th of Muharram.

6- The Kiswah of the Ka‘ba used to be changed every year on ’Ashura.

We hope you have found this article both beneficial and interesting. May Allah (swt) grant us the blessings of that day and allow us the honor of witnessing and fasting it again for many years to come, amen <3