Ruling on Making Up the Fast of Ashura, Its Virtue and Reward in Islam
Learn the ruling on making up the fast of the Day of Ashura if it is missed due to an excuse such as travel, and its great virtue and reward as explained by Dar Al-Ifta of Egypt.
Ruling on Making Up the Fast of the Day of Ashura
Fasting the Day of Ashura is a recommended Sunnah in Islamic law, and it is one of the regular voluntary acts of worship that may be made up if missed, especially for someone who is accustomed to fasting it annually but missed it due to travel, illness, or any other circumstance.
Dar Al-Ifta of Egypt clarified that whoever misses fasting this day, whether they regularly observe it or not, it is recommended for them to make it up in pursuit of reward and virtue, as regularly practiced voluntary acts are recommended to be compensated if missed.
The Virtue of the Day of Ashura in Islam
The Day of Ashura is the tenth day of the month of Muharram, and Allah has granted it great virtues, including the salvation of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his people from Pharaoh and oppression.
It is reported in the Sunnah that the Prophet ﷺ fasted it and encouraged fasting it as an act of gratitude to Allah for His blessings. It is a day in which mercy descends and sins are forgiven by the will of Allah.
The Great Reward of Fasting Ashura
Authentic hadiths state that fasting the Day of Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year, which reflects its great status and reward.
For this reason, the Companions and the early generations were keen to fast it due to its immense reward, forgiveness, and mercy from Allah Almighty.
Can the Fast of Ashura Be Made Up If Missed?
Dar Al-Ifta explained that whoever misses fasting Ashura—whether due to an excuse such as travel or otherwise, or even without an excuse—is recommended to make it up. This is the preferred scholarly opinion because it is among the voluntary acts that have textual evidence supporting making them up.
Evidence for Making Up Voluntary Acts
The permissibility of making up voluntary acts is supported by the fact that the Prophet ﷺ made up the Sunnah of Fajr prayer after missing it due to sleep, indicating that time-bound voluntary acts may be compensated if missed.
Is it permissible to make up the fast of Ashura?
Yes, it is recommended to make it up if it is missed, especially for those who regularly observe it.
What is the ruling on fasting Ashura originally?
It is a confirmed Sunnah with great virtue and expiation of sins.
Is an excuse required to make up Ashura fasting?
No, it may be made up whether there is an excuse or not.
What is the virtue of fasting the Day of Ashura?
It expiates the sins of the previous year, by the will of Allah.
Is making up voluntary acts permissible in Islam?
Learn about the best ways to protect children from harm through Islamic spiritual protection, Prophetic supplications, and daily remembrances that help provide protection by the permission of Allah.
Learn how to perform Salat al-Istikhara, its authentic supplication, and the Islamic ruling on interpreting dreams related to important life decisions.
Learn about the Islamic ruling on women praying in a country without a mosque, whether praying at home is sufficient, and whether women can establish congregational prayer at home.
Learn about the concept of an answered dua, the reasons behind accepting supplications, and powerful prayers from the Quran and Sunnah for relief, رزق, and fulfilling needs.
