Excellence of the Fast of Aashura

» It is narrated by Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas (Radi Allahu Anhu) that when Rasoolullah (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) arrived in Madinah Munawwarah, the Jews were fasting on the day of Aashura, so he (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked, ‘Why have you fasted on this day?’ They replied, ‘This is a great day in which Allah saved Musa (Alayhis Salam) and his nation, and drowned Pharaoh and his people. Therefore, Musa (Alayhis Salam) fasted on this day as an expression of gratitude to Allah and so we too observe fast on this day.’ He (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, ‘We deserve more than you to follow Musa (Alayhis Salam).’ So the Beloved and Blessed Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) himself fasted and he ordered his Companions to do so as well. [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 656, Hadith 2004]

» The Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) has stated, "Observe Fast on the day of Aashura, and oppose the Jews in this by observing an additional Fast one day before or one day after it." [Musnad Imam Ahmad, Vol. 1, Page 518, Hadith 2154]

» It has been reported by Sayyiduna Abu Qatadah (Radi Allahu Anhu) that the Most Exalted Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: "I expect from Allah that Fast on Aashura removes the sins of the previous year. [Sahih Muslim, Page 590, Hadith 1162]

» Sayyiduna Abdullah Ibn Abbas (Radi Allahu Anhu) has stated, "I never saw the Noble Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) so enthusiastic to observe Fast highlighting excellence to any day as much as he would for the day of Aashura and the month of Ramadan." [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 657, Hadith 2006]

Note: Whenever one is to observe the Fast of Aashura, it is better for him to fasts on either the 9th or 11th of Muharram in addition.