13/21. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 1136a — Children and Ashura Fasting
Whoever eats on'Ashura, let him refrain (from eating) for the rest of the day
Ashura Fasting Hadith for Children and Families
Sahih Muslim : 1136a
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 1136a
وَحَدَّثَنِي أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ نَافِعٍ الْعَبْدِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا بِشْرُ بْنُ الْمُفَضَّلِ بْنِ لاَحِقٍ، حَدَّثَنَا خَالِدُ، بْنُ ذَكْوَانَ عَنِ الرُّبَيِّعِ بِنْتِ مُعَوِّذِ بْنِ عَفْرَاءَ، قَالَتْ أَرْسَلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم غَدَاةَ عَاشُورَاءَ إِلَى قُرَى الأَنْصَارِ الَّتِي حَوْلَ الْمَدِينَةِ " مَنْ كَانَ أَصْبَحَ صَائِمًا فَلْيُتِمَّ صَوْمَهُ وَمَنْ كَانَ أَصْبَحَ مُفْطِرًا فَلْيُتِمَّ بَقِيَّةَ يَوْمِهِ " . فَكُنَّا بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ نَصُومُهُ وَنُصَوِّمُ صِبْيَانَنَا الصِّغَارَ مِنْهُمْ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ وَنَذْهَبُ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ فَنَجْعَلُ لَهُمُ اللُّعْبَةَ مِنَ الْعِهْنِ فَإِذَا بَكَى أَحَدُهُمْ عَلَى الطَّعَامِ أَعْطَيْنَاهَا إِيَّاهُ عِنْدَ الإِفْطَارِ .
Rubayyi' daughter of Mu'awwidh b. 'Afra' Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sent (a person) on the morning of Ashura to the villages of Ansar around Medina (with this message): He who got up in the morning fasting (without eating anything) he should complete his fast, and he who had had his breakfast in the morning, he should complete the rest of the day (without food). The Companions said; We henceforth observed fast on it (on the day of 'Ashura) and, God willing, made our children observe that. We went to the mosque and made toys out of wool for them and when anyone felt hungry and wept for food we gave them these toys till it was the time to break the fast.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1136aIn-book reference : Book 13, Hadith 175USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 6, Hadith 2531
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 1136a
This Hadith about Ashura fasting gives a warm picture of how the Companions responded to the Prophet’s صلى الله عليه وسلم message. He sent word in the morning to the villages of the Ansar around Medina: whoever began the day fasting should complete the fast, and whoever had eaten should complete the rest of the day without food. The narration then describes how the Companions continued to fast on Ashura and helped their young children take part. When the children became hungry and cried, they gave them wool toys to keep them busy until iftar. The teaching stays close to the text: worship was taught with patience, care, and gentle help.
What we learn from this hadith
- The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم instructed people to complete the day of Ashura in fasting or restraint.
- The Companions continued observing Ashura after receiving this instruction.
- Children were gently encouraged with simple means, not harsh treatment.
- Families can help children learn worship with patience and care.
