title: Fast Dec. 27th/Muharram 10th (Ashura)

It was a tradition of the people before Islam and of the Jews who said that Musa (Moses) himself fasted that day as it was the day Allah saved them from the Pharoah. Muhammaed peace be upon him continued this tradition and it became a practice of the Muslims. Alhamdolillah.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Fasting the day of `Ashura’ (is of great merits), I hope that Allah will accept it as an expiation for (the sins committed in) the previous year” (Muslim).

It was also a day on which the people of Makkah used to change the covering (kiswah) of the Ka`bah and the Quraish would fast on this day. (Al-Bukhari, hadith 1489 and 1760)

It is recommended to fast either the day before Ashura and Ashura or Ashura and the day after it. So if you did not fast today (the day before, 9th of Muharram) then fast on Monday also (the 11th of Muharram) this is to distinguish the Islamic practice from that of the Pagans and Jews (please note this is not done as a means of negativity between Muslims and Jews, at the time this was prescribed Muslims and Jews lived peacefully together in Medina. It is simply to differentiate Islamic practice from Jewish practice and Allah knows best)

InshaAllah fast tomorrow sisters (and brothers) Alhamdolillah for those of us in the northern hemisphere it will be easy as the days are short.

There are many acts of innovation that are associated with Ashura (mostly by Shia muslims) however fasting this day (and a day with it) is an act practiced by The Prophet himself. Any other observances related to Ashura are not associated with the practice of The Prophet.