The Virtues of Muharram and the 4 Levels of Ashura Fasting According to Fiqh

Muharram is the first month of the Hijri calendar and it's highly honored. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) called it Syahrullah (the Month of Allah). This month is one of the four sacred months, where Muslims are forbidden from doing wrong and are encouraged to increase good deeds, especially voluntary fasting. The prohibition of sinning in this month carries more weight, while the rewards for good deeds are multiplied. The most important act in Muharram is fasting, especially the Ashura fast on the 10th. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said that this fast expiates the sins of the past year (narrated by Muslim). To differentiate from the Jewish practice, fasting on Tasu’a, the 9th of Muharram, is also recommended. Fiqh scholars divide the levels of Ashura fasting into four: the most complete is fasting on the 9th, 10th, and 11th; second is the 9th and 10th; third is the 10th and 11th; and fourth is only the 10th of Muharram. There are two mistakes in dealing with the day of Ashura that should be avoided: making it a day of mourning with wailing (like some groups' tradition) or making it a day of celebration and revelry. Islam encourages a moderate approach, which is filling the day with obedience like fasting, charity, and seeking forgiveness, without excess. Wallahu a’lam bishawab. https://mozaik.inilah.com/ibadah/keutamaan-bulan-muharram-dan-4-tingkatan-puasa-asyura-menurut-fikih