The Day Before the Storm
There’s a stillness before every turning point. A breath before the leap. A moment of preparation before the impact of transformation. The 9th of Muharram—known as Tasu’a—is that sacred pause.
It’s not as publicly known as Ashura. It doesn’t hold the historical spotlight. But it holds something just as powerful: the quiet before the sacrifice, the reflection before the resistance.
This is a day Prophet Muhammad ﷺ acknowledged, honoured, and recommended for fasting. It is a day that invites us into deeper awareness, intentionality, and soulful readiness.
In this post, we’ll explore:
-
The historical and spiritual significance of Tasu’a
-
Why fasting on this day is highly recommended
-
What it means for you, today, as a conscious believer
Let’s walk into Tasu’a not as a forgotten date, but as a doorway to transformation.
1. Tasu’a in History: Preparing for Ashura
In the 7th century, on the hot sands of Karbala, Imam Hussain ibn Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) stood on the edge of history. On the 10th of Muharram, he would become a symbol of truth, resistance, and unwavering submission to God.
But on the 9th?
He spent the day in prayer, preparing his family, and making du’a. He knew what was coming. And he used this day not for panic—but for presence.
Tasu’a, in Shi’a tradition, is remembered as the final day before the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his loyal companions. It’s a day of sorrow and spiritual focus.
In Sunni tradition, the 9th is recognized as a day of fasting in preparation for Ashura. When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ learned that the Jews of Medina fasted on the 10th to commemorate the salvation of Prophet Musa (Moses), he said:
“If I live until next year, I will fast the ninth [as well].”
— Sahih Muslim
The Prophet ﷺ didn’t just honor the 10th—he wanted to pair it with the 9th. This shows us the sacred intention of preparing the soul. Not just celebrating one day. But entering into worship with mindfulness.
2. Why Fasting on Tasu’a Is So Rewarded
Fasting on Tasu’a and Ashura is a powerful act of devotion.
The Prophet ﷺ taught that fasting on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura) expiates the sins of the previous year:
“Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate thereby [the sins of] the year that came before it.”
— Sahih Muslim
To distinguish the Muslim practice from that of the Jews, the Prophet ﷺ intended to also fast the 9th. Scholars agree: it is mustahabb (highly recommended) to fast either:
So, fasting on Tasu’a + Ashura is the preferred option.
But why is it so emphasized?
Because Islam doesn’t encourage ritual without reflection. The act of fasting, especially in sacred months like Muharram, is more than deprivation—it’s recalibration. It realigns the heart. It tunes us back to divine purpose.
3. Tasu’a Today: Stillness Before the Storm
Think of your own life.
How often do you pause before a big decision? Do you reflect before reacting? Or create spiritual space before taking action?
Tasu’a teaches us the beauty of the pause.
It reminds us that even in the face of struggle, preparation matters. Spiritual grounding matters. Clarity matters.
Whether you’re a student entering a new phase… a parent holding the weight of a home… or a leader navigating community change—Tasu’a is your invitation to return to intentionality.
This is a day to:
-
Fast and purify your intentions
-
Reflect on your inner resistance
-
Remember those who gave everything for truth
-
Prepare yourself spiritually for what you stand for
Because just like Imam Hussain (r.a.) didn’t wait until the moment of crisis to anchor himself—neither should we.
4. How to Observe Tasu’a
Here are some meaningful ways to honour the 9th of Muharram:
✅ Fast
Fast the 9th and 10th (or 10th and 11th). Make the niyyah (intention) to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
📿 Make Du’a and Dhikr
Spend time in remembrance of Allah. Make du’a for guidance, courage, and clarity. Pray for those who are oppressed today.
📖 Read and Reflect on the Story of Karbala
Read or listen to accounts of Imam Hussain’s stand for truth. Reflect on how his legacy challenges you to be braver in your own life.
🕯 Serve Others
Imam Hussain’s life was about justice and service. Support a cause. Feed someone in need. Donate to those suffering injustice. Make your fast a tool for transformation, not just ritual.
5. Final Thoughts: What Will You Prepare For?
In the words of Oprah: “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.”
But living that kind of life—purpose-driven, value-anchored—doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens in the quiet moments. In the intentional pauses. In the decision to fast. Reflect. Prepare.
Tasu’a is that moment. It is your day to stop chasing the noise and start aligning with your soul.
As Brendon Burchard often reminds us, “Clarity is the beginning of greatness.”
So, ask yourself:
What clarity are you seeking right now?
What truth are you standing for?
And how will you prepare your soul before the test comes?
Let Tasu’a be your day of stillness before the storm—so when Ashura arrives, you don’t just observe history…
You rise to embody it.
