Day of Ashura: How to Fast With Intention

The day of Ashura is not only about avoiding food and drink for a few hours. It is about entering the fast with a clear intention, following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, and using one of the most blessed days of Muharram to draw closer to Allah. If you intend to fast Ashura tomorrow, the simplest answer is this: make the intention in your heart tonight, wake for suhur if possible, and fast seeking Allah's reward alone.

Many Muslims know about the great reward connected to Ashura but remain unsure about practical questions. Should you fast only the tenth? Must the intention be spoken? What did the Prophet ﷺ actually do? This guide focuses on those practical details.

Why Is the Day of Ashura So Important?

The day of Ashura falls on the tenth of Muharram, one of Islam's sacred months. When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he found the Jews fasting this day in gratitude to Allah for saving Musa (ʿalayhi al-salam) and his people from Pharaoh.

The Prophet ﷺ said: "We have more right to Musa than they do." He then fasted the day and encouraged the Muslims to fast it as well (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).

Allah says:

"Indeed, in the stories of the prophets there is a lesson for people of understanding." (Qur'an 12:111)

The story behind Ashura reminds believers that relief can come after long hardship and that Allah's promise never fails.

What Is the Ashura Reward?

The most famous narration regarding the Ashura reward is reported by Abu Qatadah (radiyallāhu ʿanhu). The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope from Allah, expiates the sins of the previous year." (Sahih Muslim 1162)

The scholars explain that this refers to minor sins, while major sins require sincere repentance. Even so, few voluntary acts carry such a tremendous promise for a single day of worship.

This is one reason many scholars encouraged believers not to treat Ashura as just another optional fast. It is an opportunity that comes only once each year.

What Is the Correct Ashura Intention?

The phrase Ashura intention often causes confusion. In Islamic law, intention does not mean a special formula that must be recited aloud. Rather, it is the decision of the heart to perform an act for Allah.

If you know tonight that you plan to fast tomorrow, that is already your intention. There is no authentic supplication from the Prophet ﷺ requiring Muslims to verbally announce their intention before fasting Ashura.

For a voluntary fast, many scholars also permit forming the intention after Fajr if the person has not eaten, drunk, or done anything that breaks the fast. However, making the intention before sleeping is the safest and easiest approach.

Should You Fast the 9th and 10th Together?

Yes. Many scholars consider fasting both days the best option.

Near the end of his life, the Prophet ﷺ expressed his desire to distinguish the Muslim practice from that of others. Ibn Abbas (radiyallāhu ʿanhumā) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

"If I remain until next year, I will certainly fast the ninth." (Sahih Muslim 1162)

He passed away before the following Ashura arrived, but the hadith became an important proof for fasting the ninth together with the tenth.

A practical approach is:

1. Fast the 9th and 10th of Muharram.

2. If that is not possible, fast the 10th alone.

3. If circumstances allow, some scholars also recommended adding the 11th.

This paragraph is often missed in beginner guides, yet it is one of the most important Sunnah details connected to the 10 Muharram fast.

What Should You Do the Night Before Ashura?

Most people focus on what happens during the fast. The stronger habit is preparing before the fast begins.

• Make your intention before sleeping.

• Set an alarm for suhur.

• Read a short portion of the Qur'an before bed.

• Prepare a simple dua list.

• Plan one act of charity for the next day.

From Waraqa teaching experience, students who connect fasting with Qur'an recitation and dua usually feel the spiritual benefit of Ashura much more strongly than those who merely avoid food and drink.

How Can Families Make the Day of Ashura Meaningful?

For parents, Ashura is an opportunity to connect worship with Islamic history. Tell children the story of Musa (ʿalayhi al-salam) and how Allah saved him from Pharaoh. Keep the explanation short, accurate, and age-appropriate.

If your children are old enough, invite them to participate in part of the fast or help prepare suhur. Younger children can join through Qur'an reading, charity, or family discussion.

You may also benefit from our guide on teaching kids the day of Ashura and our article on the story of Musa AS in 5 minutes.

Let Ashura Start a Better Hijri Year

The beginning of Muharram is a natural moment to review your relationship with the Qur'an. Many Muslims set financial, educational, or fitness goals each year but never create a plan for learning Allah's Book.

If your recitation still needs work, consider building a realistic learning routine. One-to-one guidance often helps students progress faster because every lesson is tailored to their exact mistakes and goals.

You can explore our Qur'an, Tajweed, Arabic, and Islamic studies courses, learn how a free evaluation works, review transparent pricing options, or discover programs designed for families and for adults.

Can I fast only the 10th of Muharram?

Yes. The fast is valid and carries great virtue. However, many scholars recommend fasting the ninth along with the tenth because of the Prophet's ﷺ statement in Sahih Muslim 1162.

Do I need to say my intention out loud?

No. Intention is an action of the heart. Knowing that you plan to fast for Allah's sake is sufficient.

What if I forgot to make the intention before sleeping?

For a voluntary fast such as Ashura, many scholars allow the intention to be made after Fajr provided nothing that breaks the fast has occurred. Making it the night before remains the preferred option.

Does Ashura remove all sins?

The hadith mentions expiation of the previous year's sins. The scholars explain that this refers to minor sins, while major sins require sincere repentance and turning back to Allah.

What is the best next step after Ashura?

Use the momentum of Muharram to establish a regular Qur'an routine. A consistent weekly plan often brings more long-term benefit than a single burst of worship followed by months of neglect.

Next step: Book a free Qur'an evaluation through our evaluation page and receive a clear recommendation for your Qur'an, Tajweed, Arabic, or Islamic studies goals.