The Reason for Fasting Tasu’a and Ashura, Their Virtue, and the Best Deeds in Muharram
Learn about the reason for fasting Tasu’a and Ashura, their virtues in Islam, and the best levels of fasting in the month of Muharram according to Sunnah and scholars.
As the days of Tasu’a and Ashura approach in the sacred month of Muharram, hearts turn toward these blessed days that carry deep historical meaning and great spiritual reward. They gather together gratitude to Allah, following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, and seizing a powerful opportunity for forgiveness.
When Are Tasu’a and Ashura in 2026?
The Egyptian Dar al-Ifta announced that:
- Tasu’a falls on Wednesday, June 24, 2026
- Ashura falls on Thursday, June 25, 2026
These are days recommended for fasting due to their great virtue in Islam.
Why Do Muslims Fast on the Day of Ashura?
The Salvation of Prophet Moses (Musa) عليه السلام
The Prophet’s Fast and Following the Prophets
When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ arrived in Medina, he found the Jews fasting this day. He asked them why, and they said it was the day Allah saved Moses. The Prophet ﷺ said Muslims are closer to Moses than them, so he fasted it and commanded Muslims to fast it.
Is Fasting Ashura Obligatory or Sunnah?
Stages of Legislation
Fasting Ashura went through several stages:
- Early Islam: strongly encouraged and nearly obligatory
- After Ramadan was ordained: it became a recommended Sunnah
The scholar Ali Gomaa explained that the Prophet ﷺ continued fasting Ashura even after Ramadan became obligatory, due to its great virtue.
Why Do We Fast Tasu’a With Ashura?
Differentiation and Increased Reward
It is recommended to fast the ninth day along with the tenth because:
- To differ from the Jews who fast only the tenth
- To increase reward and following of Sunnah
- To complete the practice as the Prophet ﷺ intended
The Prophet ﷺ expressed his intention to fast the ninth along with the tenth in the following year.
The Virtue of Fasting Ashura
Expiation of a Whole Year’s Sins
One of the greatest virtues of Ashura is that fasting it:
- Expiates sins of the previous year
- Provides a great opportunity for repentance
The Prophet’s Consistent Practice
The Prophet ﷺ used to regularly fast Ashura and encourage his companions to do so because of its immense reward.
Levels of Fasting Ashura
Scholars mentioned several levels:
Highest Level
- Fasting the 9th, 10th, and 11th of Muharram
Second Level
- Fasting the 9th and 10th
Third Level
- Fasting the 10th and 11th
Fourth Level
- Fasting only the 10th (permissible)
The most complete form is fasting the 9th and 10th together.
The Virtue of the Month of Muharram
One of the Sacred Months
Muharram is one of the sacred months highly honored by Allah.
The Best Fasting After Ramadan
It is reported in authentic narrations that:
- The best fasting after Ramadan is fasting in Muharram
Making it a great opportunity for worship and devotion.
Why Do Muslims Eagerly Observe These Days?
Because they combine:
- Following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ
- Seeking forgiveness of sins
- Remembering gratitude to Allah
Why do Muslims fast Ashura?
Because it is the day Allah saved Prophet Moses, and the Prophet ﷺ fasted it in gratitude.
Is fasting Ashura obligatory?
No, it is a recommended Sunnah after Ramadan became obligatory.
Why fast Tasu’a with Ashura?
To differ from the Jews and increase reward.
What is the reward of fasting Ashura?
It expiates the sins of the previous year.
What is the best way to fast Ashura?
Fasting the 9th and 10th of Muharram together is best.
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