Understanding the Different Levels of Fasting on ‘Āshūrā: A Comprehensive Guide
THE LEVELS OF THE FAST OF ĀSHŪRĀ
Shaykh Abdullāh ibn Sāliḥ al-Fawzān (may ALLĀH preserve him upon goodness) said:
The people of knowledge have mentioned that there are four levels to fasting the Day of ‘Ashūrā:
THE FIRST LEVEL: Fast three days: The 9th, the 10th and the 11th. They use as evidence the hadith of Ibn ‘Abbās (may ALLĀH be pleased with them),
“Be different from the Jews, fast a day before it and a day after it.” {Al-Bayhaqi, 4/287}
This hadith is da’if (weak) and there is no justification for that except if it is said that the virtue of fasting the three days is additional to the virtue of ‘Äshūrā since it is a sacred month that has been encouraged to fast in some narrations, and that one would achieve the virtue of fasting three days every month. There is a report regarding al-Imam Ahmad (may ALLĀH have mercy on him) that he said,
"Whoever wants to fast 'Āshūrā then let him fast the 9th and the 10th unless the start of the months is obscure, then let him fast three days. Ibn Sīrīn said this." {Al-Mughni, 4/441}THE SECOND LEVEL: Fasting the 9th and 10th. This is what most of the aḥādīth show, as has preceded.
THE THIRD LEVEL: Fasting the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th. They use as evidence the hadith of Ibn ‘Abbās (may ALLĀH be pleased with them) that is raised to the Prophet (ﷺ),
“Fast the Day of ‘Ashūrā, be different in that from the Jews. Fast a day before it or a day after it.” The hadith is da’ïf (weak).
THE FOURTH LEVEL: To single out the 10th day for fasting. There are those from the people of knowledge that dislike that since it is an imitation of the People of the Book. This is the statement of Ibn ‘Abbās according to what is famous from him and it is the madhhab of al-Imām Ahmad and some of the Hanafis.
Others said: It is not disliked because it is one of the virtuous days, and it is recommended to capture its virtue by fasting. What is more apparent is that it is disliked for the one who has the ability to join it with a day before or after but that does not negate the reward of the one who fasted it by itself; rather he is rewarded if ALLĀH, the Most High, wills.
O ALLĀH! Grant us success to do what pleases YOU and distance us from acts of disobedience towards YOU; make us from YOUR righteous worshipers and YOUR successful group; pardon us and accept our repentance; and forgive us – O ALLĀH, our parents and all the Muslims.
{Taken from: Ahadith about the Tens Days of Dhul-Hijjah and the Days of Tashriq, Rulings and Manners || Page 77-79}