Fasting on Day of Arafah and Ashura
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.
Answer
Saaiduna Abu Qatadah Radiallahu Anhu reports that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam was asked about the observance of fasting on the Day of Arafah. He said, “It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year and the current year.” (Sahih Muslim p.367 v.1)
Saaiduna Ibn Abbas Radiallahu Anhu narrates that “the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam observed fasting on the Day of Ashura (10th Muharram) and commanded us to fast on this day.” (Sahih Bukhari p.268 v.1)
Saaiduna Abu Qatadah Radiallahu Anhu narrates that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam was asked about the observance of fasting on the Day of Ashura and he replied, “It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year.” (Sahih Muslim p.368 v.1)
To fast on the Day of Arafah is mustuhub for a person who is not performing Hajj. If he is performing Hajj, it will only be mustuhub if one does not fear or apprehend that of becoming weak. (Raddul Muhtar p.336 v.3)
It is the consensus of the scholars that to fast on the Day of Ashura is mustuhub. There are three categories in fasting on the Day of Ashura:
- To fast on the 10th of Muharram and a day before it
- Or on the day after it
- Or on the 10th by itself
Ibn Qayyim (RA) writes that it is not correct to put an order of detestability if someone just fasts on the 10th of Muharram as the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam during his lifetime fasted only on the 10th and he made a wish that if he was alive the following year he would fast on the 9th as well. (Maarifus Sunan p.432-p.434 v.5)
The least one may do is to fast on the 10th of Muharram. (Fathul Bari p.290 v.4)
Only Allah Knows Best
Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
