Since entering the Islamic New Year 1444AH, we know that the day of Ashura is just around the corner on Monday 8th August. On this blessed day, here are some examples of rewarding actions to stockpile your good deeds for this life and the hereafter. 

 

What is the Day of Ashura?

On the 10th of Muharram, the red sea parted for Prophet Musa (PBUH) and Bani Israeel, drowning the oppressive Pharaoh of Egypt. Commemorating this, Muslims are encouraged to fast on this day, namely the day of Ashura, as well as observing a fast on either the 9th or 11th of Muharram to recognise their closeness to Prophet Musa (PBUH). 

Ibn ‘Abbas (RA) narrates: 

‘When Rasulullah (PBUH) observed the fast of the day of Ashura and ordered (his Companions) to fast, they said: ‘O Rasulullah! It is a day revered (glorified) by the Jews and Christians.’ Thereupon Rasulullah (PBUH) said: ‘The coming year, if Allah wills, we will fast on the ninth (also).’ (Sahih Muslim)

 

What to do on Ashura? 

Fasting 

As one of the most blessed days of the Hijri calendar, some scholars hold the opinion that fasting on the day of Ashura was compulsory on the Ummah before the fasts of Ramadhan. 

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the noble Prophet (PBUH) ordered the observance of the fast of Ashura. However, when the fast of Ramadhan became compulsory, then whosoever wished, kept this fast and whosoever desired did not observe this fast. (Sahih Bukhari)

The Prophet (PBUH) continued to fast on the day of Ashura and encouraged his beloved companions to do the same. Ibn ‘Abbas (RA) narrates: 

‘I did not see Rasulullah (PBUH) eagerly await the fast of any day, which he gave preference to over other days except this day, the day of Ashura, and this month i.e. the month of Ramadhan.’ (Sahih Bukhari)

 

Making Du’a

Sometimes we forget that Du'a too is a form – even described by the Prophet (SAW) himself as the ‘essence’ (Sunan Al-Tirmidhi) – of worship. With the 10th of Muharram being among the most blessed days in the Islamic year, don’t miss out on the opportunity to make lots of Du’a for yourself, your family and the entire Ummah.

Muslims observing the fast of Ashura have an added reason to make endless Du’a during the day.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

‘‘There are three whose supplication is not rejected: The fasting person when he breaks his fast, the just leader, and the supplication of the oppressed person; Allah raises it up above the clouds and opens the gates of heaven to it. And the Lord says: “By My might, I shall surely aid you, even if it should be after a while.”’ (Sunan Al-Tirmidhi)

 

Donating charity 

While charity is immensely rewarding all throughout the year, the rewards for giving charity on the day of Ashura are exponentially greater.

It is narrated by ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr (RA): 

 ‘Whoever fasts on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura), it is as though he has fasted the entire year. And whoever gives charity on this day, it is like the charity of an entire year.’ (Imam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali in his Lata’if al-Ma’arif)

However, the beauty of Islam lies in doing what is self-sufficient and not donating beyond one’s means: 

‘Let a wealthy person spend from his wealth, and he whose provision is restricted, let him spend from what Allah has given him. Allah does not charge a soul except [according to] what He has given it.’ (65:7)

Click here to donate now – help end the poverty trap while also making the most of Ashura this year.