FASTING the 9th & 10th of Muharram (Tuesday Jan 6th & Wed Jan 7th 2009)

Primary reason: For Allah (swt) & to follow the sunnah (view below)

Also while fasting make Duaa in support of our Brothers & Sister in Gaza & around the world…

WHY FAST/REWARD?

• It expiates the sins of the past year (as stated by the prophet (pbuh)).

• The Prophet (pbuh) did so and commanded his companions to do so.

Hadith: The Prophet (pbuh) 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).

Note: according to scholars, you may choose to fast `Ashura’ on
-three days (9th, 10th, & 11th);
-two days (9th, & 10th,); or
-one day only (the 10th).

The best option being two days (9th & 10th of Muharam)

BACKGROUND:

When the Prophet (pbuh) arrived in Madinah in 622 CE, he found that the Jews there fasted on Muharram 10 and asked them the reason for their fasting on this day. They said, “This is a blessed day. On this day Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy (in Egypt) and so Prophet Musa [Moses] fasted on this day giving thanks to Allah.” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “We are closer to Musa than you are.” He fasted on that day and commanded Muslims to fast on this day. (Al-Bukhari)

It is also reported that the Prophet (pbuh) intended to fast on the ninth and tenth. Ibn `Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah fasted on the day of `Ashura’ and ordered the people to fast on it. The people said, “O Messenger of Allah, it is a day that the Jews and Christians honor.” The Prophet said, “When the following year comes, Allah willing, we shall fast on the ninth.” The death of the Prophet came before the following year. (Muslim and Abu Dawud)