Study Clarifies Ashura Fasting Rules and Historical Narratives

A religious study at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan explored the significance of fasting during the Islamic month of Muharram, particularly focusing on the day of Ashura. The event, held on June 14, 2026, featured Ustaz H. Ali Yusuf from Majelis Tarjih dan Tajdid PP Muhammadiyah.

Ustaz Yusuf began by explaining Muharram as the most virtuous month for fasting after Ramadan. He addressed common historical narratives associated with the 10th of Muharram, such as the salvation of Prophet Ibrahim from fire or Prophet Yunus from a fish's belly. He clarified that only the story of Prophet Moses's escape from Pharaoh has a strong, sahih hadith foundation from Bukhari, while other widely told events lack robust chains of narration.

The central question of the study concerned the permissibility of fasting only on Ashura (the 10th of Muharram) without fasting on Tasu'a (the 9th). Ustaz Yusuf affirmed that fasting solely on Ashura is valid and considered sunnah muakkadah, capable of expiating sins from the previous year. He explained that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) directly commanded fasting on the 10th. The fast on the 9th, Tasu'a, was a planned intention to differ from Jewish practices, but the Prophet passed away before he could implement it. Therefore, scholars agree that fasting only on the 10th is acceptable, though combining it with the 9th is more virtuous.

The session included a lively question-and-answer segment where attendees raised various fiqh-related issues. Ustaz Yusuf addressed concerns about women in menstruation fasting, the prohibition of combining obligatory Ramadan qadha fasts with the voluntary Ashura fast, and the relevance of the Hijrah spirit to Muhammadiyah's adoption of a Single Global Hijri Calendar. The event concluded with a post-test and prize distribution, creating an engaging and memorable learning experience.