Examining the Origins and Implications of the Ashura Fast in Islam

I've noticed a potential issue within Islam regarding the practice of fasting on Ashura. In examining the origins of fasting on Ashura within Islam, it appears that the practice may have been influenced by Jewish tradition, specifically regarding the commemoration of God saving the Israelites from Pharaoh. Islamic tradition records that the Prophet Muhammad observed Jews fasting on this day and, upon learning the reason, encouraged Muslims to fast in gratitude for this historical event.

It seems likely that this fast was originally a Jewish practice that the Prophet Muhammad adopted. The Prophet may not have known the exact day when the children of Israel were saved from their enemies, so he instructed Muslims to follow the Jewish custom of fasting on Ashura.

However, if Islam is the true religion, then Muslims shouldn’t need to follow the Jewish tradition of fasting on Ashura. According to Islamic belief, Jews are thought to have altered the Torah, and if they did not preserve the correct day when the children of Israel were saved, then it’s possible that the date could have been changed. This raises the question: if Muslims believe that Jewish tradition might be altered, why would the Prophet instruct Muslims to rely on the Jewish date for Ashura?

Given that Muslims believe the Prophet was divinely guided, wouldn’t he have known this? This seems to present a potential flaw or inconsistency in the adoption of the Ashura fast in Islam.