When discussing fasting, Muslims usually focus on Ramadan. This is understandable because Ramadan fasting is obligatory and one of the pillars of Islam.
However, the spirit of fasting should not end with Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged Muslims to observe voluntary fasting in Muharram, a month with exceptional virtues.
In a hadith narrated by Imam Muslim, the Prophet said:
أَفْضَلُ الصِّيَامِ بَعْدَ رَمَضَانَ شَهْرُ اللهِ الْمُحَرَّمُ
“The best fasting after Ramadan is fasting in Allah’s month, Muharram.” (HR. Muslim)
This hadith highlights the special status of Muharram among all months. While Ramadan is the month of obligatory fasting, Muharram is the best month for voluntary fasting. No other month receives such praise from the Prophet after Ramadan.
Interestingly, the Prophet referred to Muharram as Shahrullah or “the Month of Allah.” Although all months belong to Allah, scholars explain that this designation reflects Muharram’s special honor and distinction.
Muharram is also one of the four sacred months (al-asyhur al-hurum) honored by Allah. Allah says::
إِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُورِ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ اثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا فِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ مِنْهَا أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ فَلَا تَظْلِمُوا فِيهِنَّ أَنْفُسَكُمْ
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months in the decree of Allah since the day He created the heavens and the earth. Among them are four sacred months. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them.” (QS. at-Taubah [9]: 36)
The four sacred months are Dhu al-Qa‘dah, Dhu al-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. During these months, Muslims are encouraged to avoid sin and increase righteous deeds. Ibn Abbas explained that sins committed in these months carry greater consequences, while good deeds receive greater reward.
For this reason, fasting in Muharram is more than an ordinary voluntary act. It is also a way of honoring a month honored by Allah.
Among the most virtuous days in Muharram is Ashura, the 10th of Muharram. This day holds great significance in the history of the prophets.
When the Prophet arrived in Madinah, he found the Jewish community fasting on Ashura. They explained that it was the day Allah saved Prophet Musa and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh.
The Prophet responded:
فَأَنَا أَحَقُّ بِمُوسَى مِنْكُمْ
“We have more right to Musa than you.”
He then fasted on that day and instructed his companions to fast as well. (HR. al-Bukhari)
Ashura fasting symbolizes gratitude for Allah’s help and protection. It reminds believers that truth ultimately triumphs over falsehood, even when the journey is long and difficult.
The Prophet gave special attention to this fast. Ibn Abbas reported:
مَا رَأَيْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَتَحَرَّى صِيَامَ يَوْمٍ فَضَّلَهُ عَلَى غَيْرِهِ إِلَّا هَذَا الْيَوْمَ يَوْمَ عَاشُورَاءَ
“I never saw the Prophet so keen to fast a particular day and prefer it over others except the Day of Ashura.” (HR. al-Bukhari)
To distinguish Muslim practice from Jewish tradition, the Prophet intended to add fasting on the 9th of Muharram, known as Tasu’a. He said:
لَئِنْ بَقِيتُ إِلَى قَابِلٍ لَأَصُومَنَّ التَّاسِعَ
“If I live until next year, I will certainly fast on the ninth day.” (HR. Muslim)
Therefore, when Muharram arrives, do not let it pass like any ordinary month. Use this blessed month to increase voluntary fasting, seek forgiveness, read the Qur’an, give charity, and perform other good deeds.
If Ramadan is a school that nurtures piety, then Muharram is an opportunity to prove that the spirit of worship continues long after Ramadan has ended.
