Fasting Alert

I just wanted to remind everyone that the Islamic month we are in is called Muharram, which is a very blessed month in Islam. The Prophet (S) used to fast on the 10th of Muharram, a day known as 'Ashura. The Jews of Medina used to also fast on this day as well, and when asked why, they replied by saying that Musa (A) used to fast on this day to thank Allah for for saving the children of Isreal from their enemies (in Egypt). The Prophet (S) responded by saying that Musa (A) is more dear to us (Muslims) than to you (Jews), so He would also fast on this day, and recommended that we add a day before or after, so that we distinguish ourselves from the Jews.

So the day of 'Ashura insha Allah is this Wednesday the 7th. It is highly meritorious to fast on this day, plus another day before or after. I'm pretty sure the majority opinion is to do the 9th and 10th, which would be tomorrow (Tuesday) and Wednesday. Here are 2 hadith describing the merits of fasting on this day:

Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: "I never saw Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of `Ashura', and this month, meaning Ramadan." (Al-Bukhari, Hadith 1867) In another hadith we are told that fasting the day of `Ashura' expiates the sins of the previous year as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Fasting the day of `Ashura' (is of great merits), I hope that Allah will accept it as an expiation for (the sins committed in) the previous year" (Muslim).

For more information you can go to http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503543248