FASTING SECTION · 66 – THE MERIT OF THE ASHURA FAST
Abdurrahman b. Meslem reported from his uncle:
A group of the Banu Aslam came to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him.
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, asked them: “Did you observe a fast today (the day of Ashura)?” They replied in the negative. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Complete the rest of this day with fasting, and then compensate for it."
Abu Dawud said: He meant by that, Ashura.
EXPLANATION
Before the obligatory nature of Ramadan fasting was decreed, the fast of Ashura was obligatory. This is the view of Imam al-A’zam and Ahmad ibn Hanbal. According to the students of ash-Shafi'i, this fast was supererogatory, not obligatory. (Mealim al-Sunan, vol. 3, p. 325)