The best of fasts besides the month of Ramadan is the fast during Allahs month of Muharram and the best of Salaats besides the Fardh (obligatory Salaat) is the Tahajjud Salaah (performed after midnight). (Sahih Muslim). THE DAY OF AASHURA (10th OF MUHARRAM) The tenth of Muharram, known as the day of Aashura, is a very significant day in the Islamic calendar. The holy prophet Mohammed (SAW) has exhorted the Ummah to fast on this day. Hadhrat Aaisha (RA) reports that Nabi (SAW) ordered the observance of the fast of Aashura. However, when the fast of Ramadan became compulsory, Nabi (SAW) left the fast of Aashura (i.e. the compulsion). Thereafter, whosoever desired kept this fast and whosoever desired, (not to keep it) did not observe this fast. ( Bukhari, Vol 1). Ibn Abbaas (RA) says, I did not see Rasulullah (SAW) anxiously await the fast of any day, which he gave preference to over other days, but this day (of Aashura) and the month of Ramadan ( Bukhari, Vol. 1). VIRTUE OF THE FAST OF AASHURA With regard to the blessing of this fast, Nabi (SAW) was asked regarding its virtue. He answered, It is a compensation for the sins of the past year. i.e. the sins of one year that has just gone by will be forgiven. Muslim, Vol. 1). Note: Only minor sins are forgiven. For the forgiveness of major sins, Towbah (repentance) is a prerequisite. THE FAST OF AASHURA Ibn Abbaas (RA) narrates that when Nabi (SAW) came to Madinah and found the Jews fasting on the day of Aashura, he inquired, What is the significance of this day on which you fast? They replied, This is the day Allah saved the prophet Moosa (AS) and his followers and drowned Firoun and his army, thus Moosa (AS) fasted on this day as a token of thanksgiving. Therefore we too fast on this day. ( Muslim, Vol 1). Rasulullah (SAW) said, We are more worthy of Moosa (AS) and nearer to him than you. Thereafter, he fasted on this day and ordered the Sahaabah (companions) to fast on this day. ( Muslim, Vol. 1) Rasulullah (SAW) is reported to have said, Observe the fast of Aashura and oppose (the way of) the Jews. Fast a day before it (also) or a day after it. (Baihaqi, Vol 4) Hence, one should fast for two days: Either the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th. To fast only on the 10th of Muharram is MAKROOH (reprehensible) and bears semblance to the Jews.
Posted on: Fri, 24 Oct 2014 21:32:08 +0000
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