The Fast of Ashura

The Fast of Ashura

The day of ʿĀshūrāʾ (the tenth of Muḥarram) is remembered across the Muslim world — a day of mourning, reflection, and remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam Ḥusayn (ʿa, an honorific meaning ʿalayhi al-salām — peace be upon him). The Fast of Ashura examines the history, meaning, and legal rulings (aḥkām) surrounding fasting on this day, distinguishing between authentic Islamic teachings and later innovations. About the Book Published by the World Organization for Islamic Services, The Fast of Ashura provides a clear and scholarly account of the practice of fasting on ʿĀshūrāʾ. Drawing upon Qurʾānic principles, ḥadīth (prophetic tradition), and the views of classical jurists, the book clarifies the difference between the Prophet Muḥammad’s (peace be upon him and his Family) encouragement of voluntary fasting and the Shīʿī understanding that links this day to the martyrdom of Imam Ḥusayn ibn ʿAlī (ʿa). The author explores how various Islamic schools interpreted the practice and how Shīʿī tradition transformed it into a day of devotion, reflection, and spiritual renewal rather than celebration. By combining legal discussion with moral insight, the book highlights how mourning (ʿazāʾ, ritual lamentation) and awareness of injustice replaced mere ritual fasting, restoring ʿĀshūrāʾ to its true meaning within the mission of the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿa, the Prophet’s Household). What You Will Discover

• The historical origins and development of fasting on ʿĀshūrāʾ.
• Qurʾānic and ḥadīth-based analyses of the relevant traditions.
• The distinction between Sunnī and Shīʿī interpretations of ʿĀshūrāʾ.
• The ethical and theological reasons why Shīʿī scholars discourage fasting on this day.
• How ʿĀshūrāʾ evolved into a time for remembrance, mourning, and moral reflection.

About the Author The World Organization for Islamic Services is a Shīʿī research and publishing institution based in Tehran, devoted to translating, editing, and disseminating authentic Islamic scholarship. Through titles such as The Fast of Ashura, it seeks to clarify religious misconceptions and deepen understanding of the spiritual significance of ʿĀshūrāʾ as a day of moral awakening and devotion to Imam Ḥusayn (ʿa). Who Is This Book For? This book is for students, educators, and readers seeking a scholarly yet accessible explanation of the meaning, history, and jurisprudence of fasting on ʿĀshūrāʾ, and how it reflects the true legacy of Imam Ḥusayn (ʿa) and the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿa).