FASTING CHAPTER · 64 – THE FAST OF ASHURA
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) related:
The people of Quraysh used to observe a fast on the day of Ashura in the pre-Islamic period. Before his prophethood, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) also used to fast on the day of Ashura.
When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) migrated to Medina, he also observed Ashura and commanded that it be fasted. When the fast of Ramadan was made obligatory, Ashura was abandoned; whoever wished would observe it, and whoever wished would abandon it.
Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
“We used to observe the fast on the days of Ashura in the pre-Islamic period (Jahiliyyah). Then, when the obligation of Ramadan was revealed, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) said: 'It is a day among the days of Allah. Whoever wishes may fast it, and whoever wishes may omit it.’”
It is narrated from Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, that he said:
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, arrived in Medina and found the Jews fasting on the Day of Ashura. He asked them why they were fasting. They said, “This is the day that Allah gave Moses victory over Pharaoh. Out of reverence for him, we fast this day.” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Moses is closer to us than you are,” and he ordered that it be fasted.