10th Muharram: Why Do We Fast?

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10th Muharram: Why Do We Fast?

'Abdullah b. 'Abbas narrated that when the Messenger of Allah came to Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on the day of 'Ashūrā'.

The Messenger of Allah asked them: "What is the (significance) of this day that you fast on it?"

They replied: "This is a glorious day in which Allah saved Mūsā & his people, and He drowned Pharaoh & his people. Mūsā fasted on this day out of gratitude, so we also fast on it."

The Messenger of Allah said: "We have a greater right upon Mūsā and are closer to him than you."

And so, the Messenger of Allah fasted on this day and ordered the Muslims to fast. (Muslim)