What do the most authentic Hadith collections actually say about the Day of Ashura? A clear look at the genuine narrations from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
Introduction — Looking at the Hadith Directly
The Day of Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, is widely known in connection with the tragedy of Karbala. But it is important to know that the authentic Hadith on Ashura — found in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, narrated decades before Karbala took place — are about a different and earlier event entirely. This article presents what these authentic collections actually record.
The Origin of Ashura's Significance — The Story of Musa (AS)
When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) migrated to Madinah, he observed the Jewish community there fasting on the 10th day of Muharram. He asked them about this practice. They explained that this was the day Allah saved Musa (AS) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh, and they fasted in gratitude.
This narration is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari, where the Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said the words quoted above: 'This is a great day, on which Allah saved Musa and his people from drowning.' He then said: 'So Musa fasted on this day,' and proceeded to fast it himself and instructed his companions to do so as well.
The Hadith on Fasting Ashura in Sahih Muslim
Sahih Muslim records additional detail on the reward of fasting this day. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about the virtue of fasting on Ashura and responded that he hoped it would expiate the sins of the year before it — a narration widely cited by scholars on the merit of voluntary fasting on this day.
Why the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) Encouraged Fasting on the 9th as Well
Other authentic narrations report that, in his final year, the Prophet (peace be upon him) expressed the intention to fast on the 9th of Muharram as well as the 10th, if he lived to see the following year — reportedly to distinguish the Muslim practice from that of the Jewish community, who fasted only on the 10th. This is the basis for the Sunnah recommendation, followed by Sunni Muslims today, to fast both the 9th (Tasu'a) and 10th (Ashura) of Muharram.
What Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim Do Not Contain
It is worth being clear and precise: neither Sahih al-Bukhari nor Sahih Muslim records the Battle of Karbala or the martyrdom of Husayn (RA) as part of their Hadith collections. These two works were compiled to preserve the sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during his own lifetime — the Prophet (peace be upon him) passed away nearly fifty years before the events of Karbala took place in 61 AH. The significance of Ashura found in these authentic collections relates specifically and exclusively to the story of Musa (AS) and the recommended fasting connected to it.
How Sunni Muslims Approach the Day of Ashura Today
For Sunni Muslims, the primary recommended act of worship on Ashura — based directly on these authentic Hadith — is voluntary fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, accompanied by reflection on Allah's mercy and protection of His prophets throughout history. Reflection on the tragedy of Karbala, which took place later, is approached by different Muslims in different ways, separate from this specific Hadith-based act of worship.
Ayat Bridge offers live one-to-one online Islamic Studies and Quran classes for the whole family, taught by qualified teachers in clear English. Book a free trial class at ayatbridge.co.uk.
