THE IMPORTANCE AND VIRTUES OF FASTING ON THE DAY OF ASHOORA.

Although the month of Muharram is a sacred month as a whole, the 10th of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named ‘Ashoorah'. It is one of the most important and blessed days of Allah in the Islamic calendar.

It is stated in a Hadeeth reported by Hazrat Aisha (Radhiyallahu-Anha):
"That the Holy Prophet Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) ordered the observance of the fast of Aashoora. However, when the fast of Ramadhan became compulsory, then whosoever wished, kept this fast and whosoever desired did not observe this fast." - (Bukhari)

But, Nabi (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) continued to fast this day and encouraged his Companions to do the same.

Recommended deeds on the day of Aashoora.

The Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) has exhorted and encouraged his Ummah to fast on this day. He said:
"This fast is a compensation for the (minor) sins of the past year."- (Muslim)

One should also observe the fast of the 9th Muharram to safeguard his deed from resemblance with the Non-Muslims who fast only on the 10th Muharram.

Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radhiyallahu-Anhu) said:
"When Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) observed the fast of the day of Aashoora and ordered (his Companions) to fast, they said: `O Rasulullah! It is a day revered (glorified) by the Jews and Christians.' Thereupon Rasulullah said: "The coming year, if Allah wills (I remain alive), I will for surely fast on the ninth (also)."- (Muslim)

These Ahadeeth indicate clearly that one should fast on the ninth and tenth of Muharram. However, if one does not manage to fast on the ninth, then he/she should fast on the eleventh of Muharram instead.

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) said:
"Observe the fast of Aashoora and oppose the Jews. Fast a day before it or a day after."- (Baihaqi)

Hence, it is important to either fast on the ninth and the tenth or the tenth and the eleventh of Muharram. To fast only on the day of Aashoora is Makrooh as stated by Allamah Ibn Aabideen Shaami.

One should be generous on one's family and dependants and spend more on them than what is normally spent.

Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) said:
"One who generously spends on his family on the day of Aashoora, Allah will increase (his provision) for the whole year." - (Baihaqi)

Lets follow the Sunnah of our Nabi (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) and fast on these blessed days, that is either on Wednesday and Thursday, or Thursday and Friday In sha Allah. For all we know, this can be our last yer of Muharram so make the best out of it to please Allah alone. 

May Allah accept it from us! Aameen.