Ashura Day
In the year 2025, Ashura starts on 5th and ends on 6th July. There can be differences in the dates as the appearance of the crescent moon is used to determine the beginning of the Islamic month. This can vary from region to region.
Festival Name | Date | States |
Ashura | 5 to 6 July 2025 (Saturday to Sunday) | Many States |
About Ashura
Ashura is a very important day in the Islamic calendar. It marks the remembrance of Muharram. The meaning of the word 'ashura' in Arabic is 'the 10th day'. This is not a festive occasion but a respectful and mournful remembrance of the grandson of the Islamic Prophet Muhammed (PBUH), who was Husayn ibn Ali. He was martyred at the Battle of Karbala in the year AD 680. Both Sunni Muslims and Shi'a Muslims observe this day with great reverence as a holy day on the 10th day of the first month in the Islamic calendar, which is Muharram.
Ashura is an annual commemoration in remembrance of the death of Husayn ibn Ali and his family with mourning beginning in the aftermath of the martyrdom itself. The earliest mourning rituals were recorded to have started in the year 963 CE. It is a national holiday in many countries around the world, most notably in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Lebanon, India, and Pakistan.
For Sunni Muslims, there is another special significance for Ashura. It marks the day that God saved Moses and the Israelites from the Pharoah of Egypt by parting the Red Sea, thereby giving them a clear route to escape while drowning the army of the Pharoah that was in pursuit of them. For Sunni Muslims, another significance of Ashura is that it marks the day that Noah left the Ark after the floods that consumed the earth receded all around it with God promising that there would be no more floods of such a magnitude in future.
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Observance of Ashura among Shi'a Muslims
Shia Muslims observe Ashura by making a pilgrimage on that day to the tomb of Husayn ibn Ali, which is in a shrine in Iraq, in the city of Karbala. Mourning attire is worn. They listen to recollections and sermons of how he and his family were martyred. All worldly celebrations are shunned on this day. Events are held in special halls. The battle of Karbala is seen to symbolise the battle between good and evil.
Observance of Ashura among Sunni Muslims
For Sunni Muslims, observing Ashura, which the Ramadan fast supersedes, is not obligatory. This was a day on which customary fasting was already being observed by the Sunni Muslim community in Mecca. Since fasting on during the Ramadan month became obligatory, fasting on Ashura became non-compulsory.
Observance of Ashura Among the Jews
The tenth day of this month is thought to be the 10th day of the month of Tishri in the Jewish calendar, which is designated in the Torah already as a holy day to be observed with a fast in commemoration of God rescuing the fleeing Israelis from the Pharoah's Egyptian army by parting the Red Sea so that only the Jews escaped with the Egyptians drowning as the waters of the sea started to close behind them. Ashura became distinct from Yom Kippur which is its predecessor and a Jewish holy day observed on the same day.
General Observances of Ashura
In some countries, plays are performed that reenact the battle of Karbala. In Iraq and Lebanon, the Sheikh in mosques will recite the stories of the battle so that people will remember the sacrifices that were done by Husayn ibn Ali and his family and remember it in mourning. Processions are also carried out in some places with people beating their chests in grief. In some places, chants of 'Ya Husayn' are called out mournfully in response to the rhythmic beating of drums. Mourners of all genders, ages, and backgrounds congregate at mosques to listen to the stories and sermons and remember Husayn ibn Ali.
FAQs on Ashura Day
- What is Ashura and why is it celebrated?
Ashura is observed on the 10th of Muharram. It is a significant day in the Islamic calendar. It marks the commemoration of pivotal events such as the liberation of Prophet Musa (Moses) and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. Muslims commemorate this day with fasting, prayer, and charitable acts, reflecting on themes of sacrifice, justice, and divine mercy.
- What are the recommended practices on the Day of Ashura?
Muslims are encouraged to engage in fasting, offering extra prayers, reciting the Quran, and performing acts of charity on the Day of Ashura. These practices are seen as ways to purify the soul, seek forgiveness, and express gratitude to Allah for His blessings.
- Why do Muslims fast on Ashura?
Fasting on this day is believed to atone for sins and brings spiritual rewards. It provides an opportunity for Muslims to reflect and seek forgiveness.
- What does the word ‘Ashura’ mean?
The term ‘Ashura’ translates to ‘tenth’ in Arabic, referring to the 10th day of Muharram. This day is recognized as one of the most sacred in the Islamic year, highlighting its importance through its commemoration of significant historical and spiritual events.
- What are some historical events associated with Ashura?
Ashura is historically linked to the deliverance of Musa and the Israelites from Pharaoh, the safe disembarkation of Nuh's Ark, and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at Karbala. These events are remembered for their lessons in faith, resilience, and justice, underscoring the importance of standing up for righteousness.
- How do Sunni and Shia Muslims observe Ashura differently?
Sunni Muslims typically observe Ashura by fasting and engaging in worship, focusing on gratitude and reflection. Shia Muslims, however, observe it as a day of mourning, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. They celebrate through processions, recitations, and occasionally self-flagellation.
- What significance does Ashura hold for good deeds and charity?
Ashura is a day when good deeds, particularly charitable acts, are believed to be highly rewarded. Muslims are encouraged to increase their acts of kindness, such as giving to the poor and needy, as these deeds are seen to bring greater spiritual rewards, reflecting the day's significance in seeking and spreading compassion.
- How is Ashura observed in Jewish tradition?
In Jewish tradition, Ashura is associated with the 10th day of Tishri. It is observed with a fast to commemorate God's deliverance of the Israelites from Pharaoh's army by parting the Red Sea. This observance has evolved separately from Yom Kippur, which is also observed on this date.
- How do people participate in Ashura processions?
During Ashura, processions often involve people beating their chests as an expression of mourning. These processions include mourners of all genders and ages who gather at mosques to hear stories and sermons about Husayn ibn Ali. The observance is marked by rhythmic chanting and drumming to commemorate the sacrifices made during the Battle of Karbala.
- When is Ashura observed in the Gregorian calendar?
The date of Ashura shifts each year in the Gregorian calendar due to the Islamic lunar calendar. The exact date varies annually, prompting Muslims worldwide to observe the day based on their local lunar sightings.
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