Quick Hadith 056

HADITH 1

Abbas RA narrates that when Rasulullah SAW came to Madinah Munawwarah, he noticed the Jews fasting on the 10th of Muharram. He enquired from them the reason for fasting. They (the Jews) replied: "This is a great day. Allah Ta'ala granted victory to Musa (AS) and his nation against Fir'aun and his army who were drowned in the sea. Musa (AS) fasted to express his gratefulness to Allah Ta'ala, so we too fast on this day". Rasulullah (SAW) said: "We are more closer to Musa (AS) than you." Thereafter, Rasulullah (SAW) fasted on the 10th of Muharram and he ordered his Sahabah (RA) to keep fast on that day. (Mishkaat: Qadeemi)


COMMENTARY

To understand the correct context and application of the above Hadith, it is necessary to know that, initially for Muslims - only fasting on the 10th of Muharram was obligatory. When Allah SWT revealed His Commandment and Fasting in Ramadhan became obligatory - then consequently, the fasting on the day of Aashura became Nawafil (voluntary). The scholars of the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah have advised the Ummah that it is advisable to add one fast to the 10th of Muharram, thus either on the 11th or the 9th in order to contradict the practise of the Jews who fast only on the 10th. Nevertheless, doing so does not effect the validity of the fast on the 10th only. Let us start motivating our family members and friends to carry out this Sunnah of Rasulullah SAW. An act rarely known by the Ummah of today. May Allah SWT forgive us all.