By Hassan Twaha Bwambale

Dear reader, it is indisputable that Almighty God (Allah) is the creator of everything including time. He made some months, days, nights and moments better than others. To confirm this, He tells us in the Holy Quran what can be translated as: "And your Lord (alone) creates what He wills and chooses; not for them (who disbelieve in Him) was the choice. Exalted is Allah and He is high above whatever they associate with Him." (Al-Qasas 28: 68)

We are currently approaching the middle of the month of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Fasting in this month comes second only to Ramadan in terms of importance and reward. To confirm this, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said what can be translated as: "The best fast after the month of Ramadan is the month of Allah, Al-Muharram" (Muslim 1163). Connecting the name of Muharram to Allah's name in a genitive grammatical structure signifies its importance.

In this sacred month there is the day of Ashura, which the 10th day of Muharram. On this day, Almighty God saved Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh's tyranny. In his book entitled, 'Zaad Al-Ma'ad,' Ibul-Qayyim reported that Almighty God had informed Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) of Prophet Moses' remarkable success in crossing the Red Sea after being pursued by Pharaoh and his army.

Aisha (Prophet Muhammad's wife) narrated that the Quraish used to fast on the day of Ashura (albeit for other reasons), and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) used to fast on this day before immigrating to Medina. (Muslim 1126). Ibn Abbas (ra) reported that when Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) arrived in Medina, he found the Jews there fasting on the day of Ashura. Upon asking them, they said, "It is the day on which Allah granted victory to Moses and the Children of Israel over Pharaoh and we observe fast out of gratitude to Him." Upon this, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, "I am more entitled (than you) to love and honor Moses."

Prophet Muhammad fasted on Ashura and advised his companions to fast on this day." (Al-Bukhari 2040 and Muslim 1130). When he was asked about fasting on the day of Ashura, the Prophet (pbuh) said, "It expiates the sins of the preceding year." (Muslim 1162). Questions arise about fasting additional days before or after Ashura. There are three ways to fast Ashura:

1. The best way is to fast on the tenth of Muharram (Ashura), as well as the day before it and the day after it.
2. Fasting the tenth of Muharram as well as the day before it.
3. Fasting the tenth of Muharram only.
   Abdullah bin Abbas (ra) said, "I never saw the Prophet (pbuh) keen to fast on a day he favored more than others, except this day (i.e. Ashura), and the month of Ramadan" (Al-Bukhari 2006).

Since Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said that the best fast after Ramadan is fasting in Muharram, let's not miss out on this meritorious season of abundant rewards. You can fast as many days as you wish so long as it is within the parameters of the teachings of Islam. Performing other acts of worship during this time and in your entire life is meritorious and encouraged.