Muharram – Ashura and Fasting

Muharram, the first month of the lunar calendar has already started. Muslims around the world observe this divine month. Muharram is a sacred month, but the 10th day of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is called Ashura.

Out of twelve months, four months are considered as holy months. They are Zulqadah, Zulhijjah, Muharram, and Rajab.

In the Shariah of our Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam (S.A.W) the sacredness of these months was upheld, and the Holy Quran referred to them as the "sanctified months".

Fasting on Ashura

The Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam has said: "The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram."

The fasts of the Muharram month are not compulsory, yet, the one who fasts in these days is eligible for a great reward by Allah Almighty. The fasts of the Muharram are most reward-able ones among the nafil (own choice) fasts.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad S.A.W used to fast on the day of Ashura even after the fasting in Ramadan was made obligatory. Sayyidah Aishah said when fasts of Ramadan were made compulsory and the fast on the day of ''Ashura was made optional.

As per another Hadith, it is more worthwhile that people should fast one day before or later along with the fast of Ashura. So one should fast for two days: the 9th and 10th day of Muharram or the 10th and 11th day.

Please find the time details for Seher and Iftar for these three days