Intention and Virtues of Fasting on 1 Muharram, Tuesday 16 June 2026

It has become a custom for Indonesian Muslims to observe voluntary fasting on the 1st of Muharram. The first day of the first month in the Hijri calendar coincides with Tuesday, 16 June 2026, which is tomorrow. Therefore, readers should promptly learn the intention (niat) and its virtues.

First, citing the book Risalah Hadis-Hadis Bulan Muharam by Abdullah bin Shalih al-Fauzan, fasting in the month of Muharram is the most meritorious after Ramadan. The Prophet SAW said: “The most excellent fast after Ramadan is in Allah’s month, Muharram, and the most excellent prayer after the obligatory prayer is the night prayer.” (Narrated by Muslim, no. 1163). This hadith serves as the basis for Muslims to increase their fasting during Muharram, including on the first day. It should be noted that there is no hadith that specifically mentions fasting on 1 Muharram; rather, the general recommendation applies.

For those intending to fast on 1 Muharram tomorrow, Tuesday, 16 June 2026, here is the intention and its virtues.

Intention for Fasting on 1 Muharram 2026

Intention is the foundation of every Islamic act of worship. Without intention in the heart, an act of worship has no value and is merely an ordinary activity. Referencing the book Terapi Hati by Amru Khalid, the Prophet Muhammad SAW said: “Indeed, actions are judged by intentions, and every person will get what they intended. Whoever emigrated for the sake of Allah and His Messenger, his emigration is for Allah and His Messenger. And whoever emigrated for worldly gain or to marry a woman, his emigration is for what he emigrated for.”

So, what is the intention for fasting on 1 Muharram? According to an explanation from NU Online, the recitation in Arabic, Latin, and its meaning is:

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ الْمُحَرَّمِ لِلّٰهِ تَعَالَى

Arab Latin: Nawaitu shaumal Muharrami lilâhi ta’âlâ.

Meaning: “I intend to fast Muharram for the sake of Allah ta’âlâ.”

Is it obligatory to recite the intention? No. The intention is only required to be present in the heart, without the requirement to utter it. Moreover, some scholars hold the view that uttering the intention is not a sunnah. Wallahu a’lam bish-shawab.

Virtues of Fasting on 1 Muharram 2026

The first virtue of fasting on 1 Muharram is performing the most noble voluntary fast, as explained by the Prophet SAW above. Additionally, whoever observes it, God willing, will receive a great reward. Imam al-Baghawi in Ma’alimut Tanzil fi Tafsiril Qur’an explains: “Righteous deeds are greater in reward during the sacred months, and wrongdoing during them is also greater than wrongdoing in other months.”

Schedule for Tasua and Asyura Fasts in Muharram 2026

Tasua is the fast observed on the 9th of Muharram, while Asyura is on the 10th. The virtue of the Asyura fast is that it expiates the sins of the previous year. The evidence for this virtue, as cited from the book Catatan Fikih Puasa Sunnah by Hari Ahadi, is the saying of the Prophet Muhammad SAW: “I hope from Allah that the fast of Asyura will expiate the sins of the preceding year.” (Narrated by Muslim, no. 1162). As for the Tasua fast, there is no known authentic hadith that specifically explains its virtue alone. Historically, the Prophet SAW only expressed an intention to observe it, but he passed away before the day arrived.

This year, according to the 2026 Indonesian Hijri Calendar, the Tasua and Asyura fasts are observed on:

• Wednesday, 24 June 2026 / 9 Muharram 1448 H: Tasua fast

• Thursday, 25 June 2026 / 10 Muharram 1448 H: Asyura fast