What are the Virtues of Voluntary Fasts in Dhul-Hijjah, Arafah, and Ashura?

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Virtues of Dhul-Hijjah, Arafah, Ashura & Shaban

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Voluntary Fasts: Virtues, Blessings, and Sacred Significance

A Comprehensive Guide to Seeking Proximity to Allah Almighty

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Table of Contents

• Fast of Arafah
• Fast of Ashura
• 15th Shaban

For fasting and other righteous deeds, the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah (from the 1st to the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah) are the most superior days after the month of Ramadan. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny) stated:

"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah Almighty than these ten days. The fasting of every day among them is equivalent to fasting for a whole year, and the standing in prayer (Nawafil) of every night among them is equivalent to the standing on Laylat-ul-Qadr." (Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

1. The Fast of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah)

Specifically, the fast of Arafah, which is the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, is the most superior day of the year. According to authentic Hadith, the fast of this day is equivalent to thousands of fasts, and it serves as a means of forgiveness for two complete years of sins: one previous year and the second year forthcoming. (Muslim Sharif)

2. The Fast of Ashura (10th Muharram-ul-Haram)

Next to the aforementioned, the most superior fast is that of Ashura, the 10th of Muharram. It carries the blessing of forgiveness for one previous year's sins. (Muslim Sharif)

It is narrated in the Hadith that when the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny) arrived in Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He asked, "What is this day that you are fasting?" They replied, "This is a day of great significance in which Allah Almighty saved Prophet Musa (A.S.) and his nation, and drowned Pharaoh and his people. Therefore, Prophet Musa (A.S.) fasted on this day as a token of gratitude, so we also fast." The Prophet (PBUH) remarked, "We have more right and are closer to Prophet Musa than you." Thus, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) fasted himself and commanded others to do so. (Bukhari, Muslim)

A Profound Lesson: Commemorating Divine Favors

This Hadith teaches us that on the day Allah Almighty grants a specific blessing, establishing a commemoration for it is not only correct and beloved but is Shari'ah-ordained. This is because it serves to remember that specific blessing, which leads to spontaneous gratitude (Shukr) to Allah from the tongue. Thus, this commemoration becomes a means of offering thanks. In the Great Quran, Allah Almighty commands:

"Remember the days of Allah (the favors of God)." "Wadhkurū ayyām Allāh."

In another place, He says:

"Wadhakkir-hum bi-ayyām Allāh" (And remind them of the Days of Allah).

This refers to those days in which great blessings were bestowed upon various nations by Allah Almighty—for instance, gaining power and authority, deliverance from enemies, or relief from calamities. Similarly, it includes days of great trials that befell various nations from the power of Allah, such as plagues, famines, their subjugation, slavery, or destruction. In short, all significant historical events fall under the category of "Days of Allah."

Undoubtedly, for us Muslims, what day could be better to commemorate than the blessed birth (Mawlid) of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)? All blessings—worldly and otherworldly, manifest and hidden, physical and spiritual—and all comforts are granted to us only through his mediation and for his sake. This is also one great and important purpose of organizing gatherings of Mawlid-e-Paak. Those who create obstacles (Wahhabiyya) in this are merely trying to mislead Muslims. May Allah keep us in His protection.

Method and Jurisprudence of the Ashura Fast

The Ruling: It is better to fast on the 9th of Muharram along with the 10th. The Hadith states that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Observe the fast of Ashura and oppose the Jews (by doing so); fast a day before it and a day after it." (Mirqat)

Prophetic Honors on the Day of Ashura

The virtues of Ashura are extensively mentioned in the Hadith. Scholars and Sufis have written that the day of Ashura is that day on which Allah Almighty honored a group of Prophets (A.S.) with dignity and nobility:

• Prophet Adam (A.S.): He was chosen above all creation and created on this day.
• Prophet Idris (A.S.): He was raised to the heavens.
• Prophet Nuh (A.S.): His ark rested on Mount Judi.
• Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.): Allah made him His "Khalil" (Friend) and turned the fire of Nimrod into a garden for him.
• Prophet Dawud (A.S.): His lapse was forgiven.
• Prophet Ayyub (A.S.): His affliction was removed.
• Prophet Yunus (A.S.): He was brought out from the belly of the whale (Batn-e-Hoot).
• Prophet Yaqub and Prophet Yusuf (A.S.): They were reunited.
• Prophet Isa (A.S.): He was born and subsequently raised to the heavens.
• Prophet Musa (A.S.): He and the Bani Israel were saved from Pharaoh's tyranny.

Virtuous Deeds and Blessings of Ashura

Voluntary Fasts Guide: Exploring the immense blessings and sacred significance of Nafli Rozay throughout the Islamic year.

Ashura is a day of acceptance for good deeds, charity, and donations. This is why the Sufis state:

• He who gives charity to a poor person on this day, it is as if he gave charity to all the poor.
• He who guides a lost wanderer to the right path, Allah Almighty will fill his heart with the light of faith.
• He who restrains his anger, Allah will write his name among those who are pleased with His will.
• He who honors a needy person, Allah will grant him dignity in the grave.

The Prophet of Mercy (PBUH) further said:

"Whoever spends generously on his family (Ahle-o-Ayal) on this day, Allah Almighty will grant him abundance (Farakhi) throughout the year." (Bayhaqi) Hazrat Sufyan bin Uyaynah (R.A.) stated, "We tested this for fifty years and found abundance every year."

Other Meritorious Acts:

• He who bathes (Ghusl) on this day will be safe from all illnesses that year, except the illness of death.
• He who applies kohl (Surma) with good intention, his eyes will never ache, meaning his inner vision and the eye of the heart will remain enlightened.
• He who spends the night of Ashura in worship and remembrance (Zikr) and the day in fasting will not even feel his death when he dies (i.e., will be protected from the agony of death).
• He who fasts on the day of Ashura is as if he fasted the entire year.
• He who places a hand of mercy on an orphan’s head, Allah Almighty will raise his rank in Paradise for every hair.
• He who maintains family ties (Silah Rahmi) today will be with Prophet Yahya and Prophet Isa (A.S.) in Paradise.

Beloved readers! What trust can be placed in life? No one knows when they must depart from this world. If you have the provision of good deeds, your grave will be bright and your resurrection will be glorious.

A Necessary Warning: This is the true basis of the Ashura fast, practiced by Muslims to this day. Nowadays, voices claim that the Ashura fast was kept by Yazid’s mother and should be avoided. All such claims are baseless and fabricated notions spread by the Rafidhis to mislead Muslims. Muslim women should never pay heed to such absurd claims, as it leads to the loss of good deeds and the incurring of sin.

3. The Fast of 15th Shaban (Shab-e-Bara'at)

After Ramadan, the most superior fasts are those of Shaban. Hazrat Aisha Siddiqa (R.A.) stated that she never saw the Holy Prophet (PBUH) fasting more in any month than in Shaban, especially on the 15th of Shaban. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:

"When the 15th night of Shaban arrives, stand in prayer during the night (engage in Nawafil) and fast during the day. Indeed, Allah Almighty descends with His special manifestation to the lowest heaven at sunset and says: 'Is there anyone seeking forgiveness that I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking provision that I may provide for him? Is there anyone in affliction that I may grant him relief? Is there anyone like this? Is there anyone like this?' And He continues to say this until the dawn breaks."

Summary (Kholasa)

Voluntary fasts (Nafli Rozay) are the best means to achieve proximity to Allah Almighty. The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, the Day of Arafah, Ashura, and the mid-Shaban fast carry immense virtues. We should value these blessed days and engage excessively in worship, fasting, charity, and the remembrance of Allah to achieve success in this world and the Hereafter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the benefit of fasting on the Day of Arafah?
A: It serves as an expiation for sins of the previous year and the coming year.

Q: Is it necessary to fast on the 9th of Muharram with Ashura?
A: It is recommended (Mustahabb) to fast on the 9th along with the 10th to fulfill the Prophetic command of distinguishing the Muslim practice.

Q: What is the significance of spending on family on Ashura?
A: According to the Hadith, it leads to abundance (Barakah) in sustenance for the entire year.

Q: What is the virtue of the 15th Shaban fast?
A: The Holy Prophet (PBUH) encouraged worship at night and fasting during the day, as Allah offers forgiveness and provision on this night.

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