The Ruling on Fasting the Day of 'Ashura' Alone

The questioner:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah preserve you, if one fasts the Day of 'Ashura, the tenth of Muharram, alone, should he be wary of that action?

The Shaykh:
Yes.

The questioner:
If one fasts the Day of 'Ashura, the tenth of Muharram, alone, should he be wary of that action?

The Shaykh:
Two weeks.

The questioner:
Fast the Day of 'Ashura.

The Shaykh:
It is disliked because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded fasting the day before it, so it is disliked to fast it alone. However, it suffices, and one obtains the reward despite the dislike. Yes.

The questioner:
And Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, what is the ruling for one who has missed fasts from last Ramadan remaining to be made up? Is it permissible for him?

The Shaykh:
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) says in *Zad al-Ma'ad* that fasting the Day of 'Ashura is on three levels. The most complete is to fast three days: the Day of 'Ashura, the day before it, and the day after it. This is the most complete. Next is to fast two days: the Day of 'Ashura and the day before it, or the day after it. The third is to fast the Day of 'Ashura alone. If he fasts it, he obtains the recommended practice (sunnah), but it is disliked for him to fast it alone. Yes.