What is the authenticity of the narrations stating that together with the tenth of Muharram (‘Aashura) we should fast on the ninth or eleventh as well?
Answer
1) Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that when Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was informed that the Jews and Christians revere and honour the tenth of Muharram (‘Aashura) he said:
‘Next year, we will fast on the ninth as well if Allah wills’
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2661)
2) Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
‘If I am alive next year, I will fast on the ninth as well’
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2662)
3) Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
‘Fast on the day of ‘Aashura (tenth of Muharram) and oppose the Jews. Fast one day before it or one day after it’
(Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, Hadith: 2095, Musnad Ahmad, vol. 1 pg. 241, Sharhu Ma’anil Athar of Imam Tahawi, vol. 2 pg. 78 and As Sunanul Kubra of Imam Bayhaqi, vol. 4 pg. 287)
In light of the above, it is virtuous to fast on the ninth and tenth or the tenth and eleventh of Muharram. In fact Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) states:
Fasting on the ninth, tenth and eleventh of Muharram is on the highest level of preference.
(Fathul Bari, under Hadith: 2000)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar