65/2.24. Chapter:
Sahih Bukhari 4502 — Choosing to Fast or Leave Ashura
“O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you, may become Al- Muttaqun (V.2:183).
Ashura Fast Hadith: A Choice After the Ramadan Command
Sahih Bukhari : 4502
Sahih BukhariHadith Number 4502
حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ عُيَيْنَةَ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، عَنْ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ كَانَ عَاشُورَاءُ يُصَامُ قَبْلَ رَمَضَانَ، فَلَمَّا نَزَلَ رَمَضَانُ قَالَ " مَنْ شَاءَ صَامَ، وَمَنْ شَاءَ أَفْطَرَ ".
A'isha Narrated from:
The people used to fast on the day of 'Ashura' before fasting in Ramadan was prescribed but when (the order of compulsory fasting in) Ramadan was revealed, it was up to one to fast on it (i.e. 'Ashura') or not.
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 4502In-book reference : Book 65, Hadith 29USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 6, Book 60, Hadith 29
Summary of Sahih Bukhari Hadith 4502
This Hadith about Ashura fast comes from Aisha, who said that people used to fast on Ashura before Ramadan fasting was prescribed. After the command of Ramadan fasting was revealed, the ruling changed in practice. Whoever wished could fast Ashura, and whoever wished could eat and not fast it. The teaching is focused and easy to understand: the required fast became Ramadan, while Ashura was left as an optional fast in this narration. This helps readers searching for Ashura fasting hadith, fasting on 10th Muharram, and Ramadan fasting obligation understand the order clearly. The Hadith does not add extra rewards or details here; it simply shows the shift from a former practice to personal choice.
What we learn from this hadith
- Ashura fasting existed before Ramadan fasting was made obligatory.
- Ramadan became the compulsory fast after its command was revealed.
- The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم allowed people to either fast Ashura or leave it.
- Religious practice should be understood according to the Prophet’s clear guidance.
