The ministry said in a statement:
Praise be to Allah, prayer and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah:
The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs reminds all honourable Muslims of the recommendation to fast Ashura, which is religiously desirable.
According to the scholars, there are three ranks of fasting:
1- Fasting for three consecutive days 9,10 and 11 Muharram.
2- Fasting on 9 and 10 Muharram only.
3- Fasting on the 10th of Muharram only.
It is permissible to fast the 10th day and 11th day for those who missed the 9th day, and all of these ranks are permissible.
Ibn Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, came to Madina and he found the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura.
The Prophet said: "What is this day you are fasting?" They said: "This is a great day in which Allah saved Moses and his people, and He drowned Pharaoh and his people. Moses fasted on it due to gratitude, so we also fast on it."
The Prophet said: "We are more deserving and are closer to Moses than you." The Prophet fasted the day of Ashura and he commanded fasting on it. (Sahih Al-Bukhari 3397, Sahih Muslim 1130).
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "If I live until next year, I will certainly fast the 9th day of al-Muharram." (Sahih Muslim 1134) Fasting on the day of Ashura is that Allah will expiate the sins from the previous year.
Abu Qatadah reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was asked about fasting the day of Arafat and he said: "It will expiate the sins of the previous and upcoming years." Then, the Prophet was asked about fasting the day of Ashura and he said: "It will expiate the sins of the past year." (Sahih Muslim 1162)
Hence, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs reminds all honourable Muslims of the blessings of fasting on this day honouring the Sunnah of the Prophet — may peace and blessings be upon him and seeking to expiate the sins and seek reward from Allah.
We ask Allah to reconcile everyone for good saying and rational actions.
May peace and blessing of Allah be on our Prophet, his companions and followers.