As-salamu `alaykum. I just want to know if I am allowed to combine the two days of Ashura fasting (9th and 10th of Muharram) with two days from Ramadan I still need to fast? Can I fast with two intentions? Jazaka Allah kahyran!
You can combine Muharram fasts with missed Ramadan fasts according to one scholarly opinion, which allows a double intention—fasting both the missed and the recommended fast at once. However, another view holds that each fast must be observed separately, making it preferable to first complete missed fasts and then observe voluntary ones like Ashura.
Two Scholarly Views on Combining Muharram and Missed Fasts
There are two views regarding combining Muharram fasts and missed fasts of Ramadan. According to one view, you cannot do that as you need to fast each one separately.
There is another view held by some scholars; one may make a double intention and thus will be rewarded for both.
What’s Better: Making Up Missed Fasts First or Fasting Ashura?
Having said this, let me point out, you should make up for the fasts of Ramadan you have missed first and then choose to fast some other days to make up for the recommended ones-if you can.
Alternative Deeds If You Can’t Fast Muharram
If you are unable to do this, you may still gain blessings through other types of good deeds you can afford to-visiting the sick, giving charities, extra prayers, practicing constancy in dhikr, reading the Quran, etc.
Mind you, there is no dearth of virtuous deeds. They are all around us, if only we are willing to open our eyes and seize the opportunities.
