Ashura

'Ashura' is the tenth of Muharram; tasu'a' the ninth; fasting both is recommended. ⁴

Its fast is sunna like tasu'a'. The Prophet fasted it and said "fasting the day of 'ashura' — I hope from God that it expiates the year before it," meaning its minor sins; if none, some of its major sins are lightened; if none, degrees are raised. ^{4 5}

Arriving in Medina he found the Jews fasting 'ashura' — "a righteous day on which God saved the Children of Israel from their enemy, so Musa fasted it." He said "I am worthier of Musa than you," fasted it and ordered it fasted; told that Jews and Christians venerate it, he said "next year, God willing, we shall fast the ninth" — but the next year did not come before he died. Scholars give reasons for recommending the ninth: differing from the Jews, joining a fast to the tenth, and precaution for the tenth itself. ^{4 5}