Today is the 9th of Muharram, known as Tasu’a, a blessed day that precedes the Day of Ashura. For Muslims around the world, this is an opportunity to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ by fasting and preparing spiritually for one of the most virtuous days of the Islamic year.
While Ashura often receives most of the attention, Tasu’a should not be overlooked. The Prophet ﷺ expressed his intention to fast the ninth day along with the tenth, teaching the Ummah the importance of observing both days together.
WHAT IS TASU’A?
Tasu’a refers to the ninth day of Muharram.
Its significance comes from its close connection to Ashura. The Prophet ﷺ wished to fast this day alongside the tenth day to distinguish the Muslim practice and to increase devotion during this sacred period.
For this reason, scholars recommend fasting both Tasu’a and Ashura whenever possible.
Those who are fasting today should remember that they are following a practice connected to the Sunnah and earning reward from Allah.
A DAY OF PREPARATION
Tasu’a serves as a spiritual preparation for Ashura.
Just as believers prepare for Jumu’ah before Friday arrives, Tasu’a allows Muslims to enter Ashura with a heart focused on worship, gratitude, and remembrance of Allah.
It is a day to increase dhikr, recite more Qur’an, seek forgiveness, and make sincere du’a.
Rather than treating it as an ordinary fasting day, Muslims should view it as part of a blessed journey that culminates with Ashura.
THE LESSON OF GRATITUDE
The story behind Ashura is a story of gratitude.
Allah saved Prophet Musa (AS) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh and his army. In response to this great blessing, Musa (AS) fasted in gratitude to Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ continued this tradition and encouraged his followers to observe it.
As Muslims fast today, they should reflect on the countless blessings Allah has given them—faith, health, family, provision, guidance, and countless favours that often go unnoticed.
True gratitude is not only expressed with words but through worship and obedience.
DON’T MISS ASHURA TOMORROW
For those fasting today, the journey does not end with Tasu’a.
Tomorrow is Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, a day for which the Prophet ﷺ informed us of a tremendous reward: the expiation of the minor sins of the previous year, by Allah’s mercy.
Muslims who have fasted today should make every effort to continue their fast tomorrow and benefit from this special opportunity for forgiveness.
MAKING THE MOST OF TODAY
Alongside fasting, believers should strive to:
- Recite portions of the Qur’an.
- Increase istighfar (seeking forgiveness).
- Engage in abundant dhikr.
- Send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ.
- Give charity if possible.
- Make du’a for themselves, their families, and the Muslim Ummah.
- Reflect on the lessons of patience, trust, and gratitude found in the story of Musa (AS).
CONCLUSION
Tasu’a is a blessed gift from Allah and a gateway to the virtues of Ashura. It reminds Muslims of the importance of following the Sunnah, expressing gratitude, and seeking closeness to Allah through worship.
As we fast today, let us renew our intentions, increase our good deeds, and prepare ourselves for the blessings of Ashura tomorrow.
May Allah accept our fasting, forgive our sins, grant us steadfastness upon His religion, and allow us to witness many more blessed days in His obedience. Ameen.
