MUHARRAM
The
month of Muharram enjoys certain specific virtues, as compared to other months. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has
described the fasts of this month in the following Hadith: "The best of fasts besides the month of Ramadhaan is the fasting
of Allah's month of Muharram, and best of Salaahs besides the fardh (obligatory Salaah) is the Tahajjud Salaah (performed
after midnight)(Sahih Muslim).
THIRTY
FAST
Every fast in the month of Muharram is rewarded manifold by Allah Ta'ala. It is reported by Ibn
Abbas (R.A.) that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "He who fasts on the day of Arafat, his fast will be a compensation
for the sins of two years and the one who keeps a fast in the month of Muharram will receive the reward of thirty fasts for
each fast (in the sacred month)
FASTING
ON THE DAY OF ASHOORA (IOth OF MUHARRAM)
The tenth of Muharram, known as the day of Ashoora, is a very important and significant day in
the Islamic calendar. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has exhorted the Ummah to fast on this day. Some Ulama are of
the opinion that before the fasts of Ramadhaan were prescribed, the fast of Ashoora was compulsory upon the Ummah. However,
once the fast of Ramadhaan became obligatory, the compulsion of the fast of Ashoora was abrogated. Once Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was asked regarding the virtue of fasting on the tenth
of Muharram. He replied: "It is a compensation of the sins of the past year (Sahih Muslim)." However, together with fasting
on the tenth of Muharram one should also try to fast a day before or after it as well. This is to avoid resembling the Jews
who also fasted on the tenth of Muharram.
