Question

What is the authenticity of this Hadith?

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever fasts on the day of ‘Ashura (10th of Muharram) will be granted the reward of ten thousand (10 000) angels.”

Answer

Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) as part of a longer narration.

(Fadailul Awqat, Hadith: 237)

However, the Muhaddithun have declared this narration a fabrication.

(Refer: Tanzihush Shari’ah, vol. 2, pg. 149, Al Atharul Marfu’ah, pg. 94/95. Also see: Lisanul Mizan, vol. 2, pg. 546, number: 2114)

The following authentic virtue of fasting on ‘Ashura should be quoted instead:

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) is reported to have said: “I hope from Allah that fasting on the day of ‘Ashura may atone for the sins of the preceding year.”

(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1162. See here)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar