The name of this month is Muharram and it is a great and blessed month. Muharram is the first month of the Hijri year (1443) and is one of the four sacred months.
We are urged by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to observe a great deal of voluntary fasts during this month.
One of the virtues of Muharram is the occurrence of Ashura in it. Ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
“I never saw the Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of ‘Ashura, and this month, meaning Ramadan.” [Reported by al-Bukhari]
When is Ashura?
Ashura will be Thursday, August 19, 2021 insha Allah.
It is recommended to fast, in addition to Ashura, one day before (the 9th of Muharram – Wednesday) or one day after (the 11th of Muharram – Friday). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Next year, if Allah wills, we will fast on the 9th day too.” But before the next year came, the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) passed away. [Reported by Muslim]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“For fasting the day of ‘Ashura, I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before.” [Reported by Muslim]
This is from the bounty of Allah towards us: for fasting one day He gives us expiation for the sins of a whole year. Indeed Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty.
If you would like to learn more about the fasting of Ashura you can read these two articles:
> Fasting Ashura Plus the Day Before It
This article explains why it is good to fast the 9th of Muharram (Wednesday) along with Ashura (Thursday).
Or you can fast on Ashura (Thursday) along with the 11th day of Muharram (Friday). Or fast all 3 days in a row.
This article goes into more detail about the reward of fasting the day of Ashura.
This is the guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him) regarding Ashura. His Companions and their followers went on this way. The Prophet (peace be upon him), the Companions, and Muslim scholars have not distinguished this day by any practice except fasting.
Do try your best to fast to get this reward, insha Allah.
And Allah knows best.