A Detailed Guide About Ashura
A Detailed Guide About Ashura. Ashura is a significant day in Islam, observed on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. In 2025, Ashura is expected to fall on July 5 or 6, depending on the sighting of the new moon for Muharram 1447, which varies by region. For instance, it may be July 5 in Saudi Arabia and July 6 in Calgary, Canada, and the UK. This day holds profound meaning for Muslims, with Sunni and Shia communities observing it differently, reflecting the diversity of Islamic traditions. This guide explores Ashura’s significance, practices, and common misconceptions in simple language, suitable for all.
When is Ashura in 2025?
Ashura occurs on the 10th of Muharram, and in 2025, it is expected to be on July 5 or 6, based on the lunar Islamic calendar. The exact date depends on local moon sightings, which can differ across regions. For example:
- In Calgary, Canada, and the USA, it could be July 5-6.
- In Saudi Arabia, Muharram 1447 is likely to start on June 26, making Ashura July 5.
- In the UK, it may be July 6, subject to moon sighting.
The Islamic calendar is lunar, so dates shift approximately 11 days earlier each year compared to the Gregorian calendar.
The Month of Muharram
Muharram, meaning “forbidden” or “sacred” in Arabic, is the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months during which warfare is prohibited. The Quran highlights this sanctity:
إِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُورِ عِندَ اللَّهِ اثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا فِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ مِنْهَا أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ
Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.” (Surah At-Taubah 9:36)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) called Muharram “the month of Allah,” emphasizing its spiritual importance. A hadith states:
خَيْرُ الصِّيَامِ بَعْدَ رَمَضَانَ شَهْرُ اللَّهِ الْمُحَرَّمُ
The best fasting after the month of Ramadan is the month of Allah, Al-Muharram.” (An-Nasai 1613)
Muharram marks the Islamic New Year and the Prophet’s migration (Hijrah) to Medina in 622 CE, a pivotal event in Islamic history. It’s a time for reflection, worship, and good deeds, with fasting being highly rewarding.
Significance of Ashura
Ashura, meaning “tenth” in Arabic, is the most significant day of Muharram, observed differently by Muslims:
Ashura commemorates Allah’s miracle of parting the Red Sea to save Prophet Musa and the Israelites from Pharaoh. Sunni Muslims fast to express gratitude, following the Prophet’s example. A hadith narrates:
لَمَّا قَدِمَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ الْمَدِينَةَ وَجَدَ الْيَهُودَ يَصُومُونَ يَوْمَ عَاشُورَاءَ، فَقَالُوا: هَذَا يَوْمٌ ظَهَرَ فِيهِ مُوسَى عَلَى فِرْعَوْنَ، فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لِأَصْحَابِهِ: أَنْتُمْ أَحَقُّ بِمُوسَى مِنْهُمْ فَصُومُوا
When the Prophet (PBUH) arrived at Medina, the Jews were observing the fast on Ashura, and they said, ‘This is the day when Moses became victorious over Pharaoh.’ On that, the Prophet (PBUH) said to his companions, ‘You (Muslims) have more right to celebrate Musa’s victory than they have, so observe the fast on this day.’” (Sahih Bukhari 4680)
Ashura is a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE (61 AH) for refusing to pledge allegiance to the unjust ruler Yazid.
Fasting on Ashura
Fasting on Ashura is a Sunnah (recommended practice) for Sunni Muslims, rooted in the Prophet’s teachings. Initially, fasting on Ashura was obligatory, but after Ramadan fasting became mandatory, it became optional.
مَنْ شَاءَ صَامَهُ وَمَنْ شَاءَ تَرَكَهُ
Whoever wishes to fast (on the day of Ashura) may do so, and whoever wishes to leave it can do so.” (Sahih Bukhari 1592)
The Prophet encouraged fasting on the 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th of Muharram to differ from Jewish practices:
لَئِنْ بَقِيتُ إِلَى قَابِلٍ لَأَصُومَنَّ التَّاسِعَ
If I live until next year, I will fast on the ninth day (of Muharram) too. (Ibn Majah 1736)
Fasting may expiate minor sins from the previous year, as the Prophet said:
صِيَامُ يَوْمِ عَاشُورَاءَ أَحْتَسِبُ عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ يُكَفِّرَ السَّنَةَ الَّتِي قَبْلَهُ
Fasting on the day of Ashura, I hope, will expiate for the sins of the previous year. (Ibn Majah 1738)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ashura
Conclusion
Ashura is a day of profound spiritual and historical significance, uniting Muslims through shared values of faith and resilience. Sunni Muslims fast to honour Prophet Musa’s victory, while Shia Muslims mourn Imam Hussain’s martyrdom. By understanding both perspectives, Muslims can foster mutual respect and unity. Observing Ashura through fasting, reflection, or mourning strengthens one’s connection to Allah and Islamic history.
