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Missed the Day? Can I Make up Ashura Fast?

05 July, 2025
Q As-Salamu alaykum. If a woman is in impure condition on the 9th 10th and 11th of Muharram, due to which she cannot fast. Is it possible to make up those fast on other days after her ghusl?

Answer

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu waRahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.


In this fatwa:

No, you do not have to make up the missed Ashura fast because fasting Ashura is recommended, not obligatory. Those who miss it due to valid reasons like illness or menstruation may still be rewarded for their intention.


In responding to your question, Dr. Muhammad Salama, PhD, Islamic Studies in English, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Islamic Sciences al-Madinah International University (Mediu), states:

Is Fasting on Ashura Obligatory or Recommended?

Fasting on the days of Ashura is only mustahabb (recommendable), not obligatory. So one does not have to make up for them when missed. By missing these meritorious days, one cannot get them back as the reward applies to fasting on these specific days.

What If You Had a Valid Excuse for Missing Ashura?

However, if a person has an excuse for not fasting on all or some of these days, though he had the habit of fasting on, as in cases of sickness, travelling, having menses, then he/she will hopefully get the reward for his/her intention. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said; “When a servant of Allah falls sick or sets on a journey, he will get reward similar to that he gets for good deeds he used to do when he was healthy or at home.” (Al-Bukhari)

What Should Women in Menstruation Do If They Miss Ashura?

A woman in her menses falls under the same category as the impediment in all such cases is something beyond one’s capacity.

The issue is discussed at length in these fatwas:

Allah Almighty knows best.