Daily Dates Nigeria recalls that the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, officially declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, as the first day of Muharram 1448 AH, marking the start of the new Islamic year in Nigeria.

For the year 1448 AH (2026), Ashura is expected to fall on Thursday, June 25, 2026, while Tasu’a is expected to be observed on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, subject to local moon sighting confirmations.

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is one of Islam’s four sacred months and offers believers an opportunity for reflection, worship and renewed devotion at the beginning of a new spiritual year.

Among the notable observances during this sacred period are Tasu’a and Ashura, days associated with fasting, remembrance and gratitude to Allah.

Islamic tradition records that Ashura commemorates the day Allah granted deliverance to Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers from Pharaoh. It is reported that when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) learned of the significance of the day, he observed fasting and encouraged Muslims to do the same.

One of the most widely cited sayings of the Prophet (SAW) on the virtue of the day is:

“Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope from Allah, will expiate the sins of the previous year.”
— Sahih Muslim

Islamic scholars explain that this refers to the forgiveness of minor sins and reflects the spiritual rewards attached to voluntary acts of worship.

The observance of Tasu’a on the 9th of Muharram alongside Ashura on the 10th also follows Prophetic guidance. It is reported that the Prophet (SAW) expressed his intention to fast an additional day alongside Ashura, leading scholars to recommend observing both days where possible.

For many Muslim faithful, these days extend beyond abstaining from food and drink. They represent moments for increased prayer, recitation of the Qur’an, acts of charity and personal reflection as individuals set spiritual goals for the new Islamic year.

Across communities, mosques and Islamic organisations are expected to use the season to reinforce values of peace, discipline, compassion and devotion — principles that remain central to Islamic teachings.

The beginning of 1448 AH also recalls the Hijrah — the migration of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Makkah to Madinah — an event that marks the commencement of the Islamic calendar and symbolises faith, sacrifice and renewal.

As Muslims observe Tasu’a and Ashura, the period offers an opportunity to embrace the lessons of patience, gratitude and a renewed commitment to spiritual growth in the year ahead.

The post Tasu’a and Ashura: Marking the Sacred Days of Muharram in the Islamic New Year 1448 AH appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Ashura or Ashoora is the tenth day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic Lunar Calendar. For Muslims, Ashura marks the day in which the prophet Moses was saved, and Muslims celebrate by fasting.

Firstly: What is the reward of fasting ‘Ashoora’?

Fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ does expiate for the past year, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Fasting the day of ‘Arafah I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year before it and the year after it, and fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.” Narrated by Muslim, 1162. This is by the bounty that Allaah bestows upon us, whereby fasting one day expiates for the sins of a whole year. And Allaah is the Owner of great bounty.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to be very keen to make sure he fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora’ because of its great status. It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I never saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) so keen to make sure he fasted any day and preferring it over another except this day, the day of ‘Ashoora’, and this month – meaning Ramadaan. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1867.

What is meant by being keen to make sure he fasted it is so as to earn its reward.

Secondly: Why did the Prophet fast the day of ‘Ashoora’?

With regard to the reason why the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora’ and urged the people to do likewise is mentioned in the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari (1865) from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came to Madeenah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Ashoora’. He said, “What is this?” They said, “This is a good day, this is the day when Allaah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy and Moosa fasted on this day.” He said, “We are closer to Moosa than you.” So he fasted on this day and told the people to fast.

The words “this is a good day” – according to a version narrated by Muslim, “This is a great day when Allaah saved Moosa and his people and drowned Pharaoh and his people.”

The words “so Moosa fasted on this day” – Muslim added in his report: “In gratitude to Allaah, so that is we fast on this day.”

According to another version narrated by al-Bukhaari, “So we fast it out of respect for it.”

The words “and told the people to fast” – according to another version narrated by al-Bukhaari, “He said to his companions, ‘You are closer to Moosa than them, so fast this day.”

Thirdly:  What are the sins that are expiated by fasting ‘Ashoora’?

The expiation of sins that is achieved by fasting ‘Ashoora’ refers to minor sins; with regard to major sins, they need separate repentance.

Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

Fasting the day of ‘Arafaah expiates for all minor sins, in other words, this brings forgiveness for all sins except for major sins.

Then he said:

Fasting the day of ‘Arafaah is an expiation for two years, and the day of ‘Ashoora is an expiation for one year, and if a person’s Ameen coincides with the Ameen of the angels, his previous sins will be forgiven… Each of the things mentioned may bring expiation. If he does something that expiates for minor sins he will be expiated, and if there are no minor or major sins, it will be recorded for him as good deeds and he will rise in status thereby… If there is one or more major sins and no minor sins, we hope that it will reduce his major sins.  Al-Majmoo’ Sharh al-Muhadhdhab, part 6.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: The expiation of purification, prayer, and fasting Ramadaan, ‘Arafah and ‘Ashoora’ applies to minor sins only.  Al-Fataawa al-Kubra, part 5.

For more information, please see the answers to questions No. (303756 ) and (21785 ).

And Allah knows best.

Source: Islamqa.info

The post Ashura 2021: Why Muslims Fast On The Day God Saved The Children Of Israel appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.