13/21. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 1136b — Helping Children Fast Ashura
Whoever eats on'Ashura, let him refrain (from eating) for the rest of the day
Ashura Fasting Hadith: Helping Children with Patience
Sahih Muslim : 1136b
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 1136b
وَحَدَّثَنَاهُ يَحْيَى بْنُ يَحْيَى، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مَعْشَرٍ الْعَطَّارُ، عَنْ خَالِدِ بْنِ ذَكْوَانَ، قَالَ سَأَلْتُ الرُّبَيِّعَ بِنْتَ مُعَوِّذٍ عَنْ صَوْمِ، عَاشُورَاءَ قَالَتْ بَعَثَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم رُسُلَهُ فِي قُرَى الأَنْصَارِ . فَذَكَرَ بِمِثْلِ حَدِيثِ بِشْرٍ غَيْرَ أَنَّهُ قَالَ وَنَصْنَعُ لَهُمُ اللُّعْبَةَ مِنَ الْعِهْنِ فَنَذْهَبُ بِهِ مَعَنَا فَإِذَا سَأَلُونَا الطَّعَامَ أَعْطَيْنَاهُمُ اللُّعْبَةَ تُلْهِيهِمْ حَتَّى يُتِمُّوا صَوْمَهُمْ .
Khalid b. Dhakwan Narrated from:
I asked Rubayyi' daughter of Mu'awwidh about fasting on the day of 'Ashura. Thereupon she said: The Messenger of Allah (may peace he upon him) sent his messenger to the villages of the Ansar, and the rest of the hadith is the same (but with this variation that one of the Companions) said:" We used to make toys out of wool and took (them to the mosque) along with us. When they (the children) asked us for food, we gave them these toys to play with, and these made them forgetful till they completed their fast."
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1136bIn-book reference : Book 13, Hadith 176USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 6, Hadith 2532
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 1136b
This narration repeats the report of Rubayyi’ daughter of Mu’awwidh about fasting on the day of Ashura, with a clear detail about children. The Companions made toys from wool and took them with them. When the children asked for food, they gave them the toys so they could play and remain distracted until they completed their fast. The Hadith does not speak in harsh language; it shows a practical and gentle way of helping children take part in worship. For anyone searching for Ashura fasting for children, this Hadith shows care, patience, and simple support within the limits of the text.
What we learn from this hadith
- The Companions helped children take part in Ashura fasting.
- They used simple wool toys to ease the children’s hunger.
- The aim was to help them complete the fast without making it heavy for them.
- Teaching worship to children can include kindness and practical support.
