Fasting on the Day of `Ashura’

Q: What is obligatory for a Muslim to do on the Day of ‘Ashura’ (10th of Muharram)? Should they pay Zakat-ul-Fitr (obligatory charity paid before the Festival of Breaking the Fast) on that day?

A: It is permissible for a Muslim to observe Sawm (Fast) on the Day of ‘Ashura’. It was authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered his Sahabah (Companions) to observe Sawm on that day. However, when the Sawm of Ramadan was enjoined, it became permissible either to fast or not to fast on the Day of ‘Ashura’. There is no Zakat-ul-Fitr due on the Day of ‘Ashura’, similar to that paid after Ramadan on the Day of ‘Eid-ul-Fitr (the Festival of Breaking the Fast).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.