What is the Day of Ashura?
There are certain days in the year which are more virtuous than others. One such day is the 10th of Muharram which is known as the Day of Ashura, falling in the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. What is Ashura? It derives from the word “Asharah”, which means ten in Arabic, and is the tenth day of Muharram It is believed the Day of Ashura commemorates various historical events, including the day when Prophet Moses (Musa) and the Israelites were saved from the tyranny of Pharaoh in Egypt. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) observed the Jews fasting on this day to commemorate their deliverance, and he recommended Muslims to also fast. The Prophet (SAW) said: “We are closer to Musa than you are,” and advised Muslims to fast ‘Ashura.’ It is recommended to fast for two days (ninth and tenth or tenth and eleventh). In Islam, Ashura is a solemn occasion, as it marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, along with his family members and companions, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.
When is the Day of Ashura 2026?
The Day of Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram, which will be on Fri, June 26 in SA.
What is the history and significance of the Day of Ashura?
The Battle of Karbala
The most significant event that occurred in the month of Muharram was the Battle of Karbala, which took place in Iraq in Muharram 61 AH. It was fought between a small army consisting of the family and companions of Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of the Prophet (PBUH), and a much larger army sent by Yazid ibn Muawiyah, the Umayyad Caliph at that time. The battle took place because Imam Hussain (AS) refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid ibn Muawiyah, who was tyrannical and had taken it upon himself to assume the Muslim leadership after the death of his father. On the 10th Muharram, the Day of Ashura, Imam Hussain (AS) was brutally martyred by the enemy camp. This is a very significant day in Islamic history as Imam Hussain (AS) and 72 other martyrs, mainly consisting of the male members of the family of the Prophet (PBUH) all nobly sacrificed their lives as a stand against oppression and to preserve Islam. Imam Hussain (AS) was extremely close to and precious to the Holy Prophet (SAW). As a child, he would climb on the Prophet (SAW)’s back and was beloved to him. Imam Hussain (AS) was brutally decapitated during the Battle of Karbala, which is one of the most tragic events to happen in Islamic History.
Imam Hussain’s significant position in Islam is highlighted in the following Hadith:
Al-Husain is from me and I am from Al-Husain.
Whoever loves Al-Husain is loved by the
Almighty
Hadith | Musnad Ahmad
The story of Musa (AS)
On the Day of Ashura in the time of Prophet Musa (AS), The Almighty saved the Prophet and Bani Israel from the tyrannical Pharaoh and his army. The Pharaoh was extremely violent and corrupt in his rule, and spread blasphemy as he declared himself as God. The Prophet Musa (AS) refused to follow the Pharaoh and instead encouraged him to worship The Almighty. The Pharaoh would not accept that there was a power higher than himself, and in response sent a large army to destroy the Prophet and his followers. On the Day of Ashura, Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers were being chased by the army but trusted The Almighty alone in protecting them. Prophet Musa (AS) made the following famous Dua which was later revealed in the Holy Quran: Truly my Lord is with me, He will guide me through. (Quran 26:62) As a result of his patience and firm faith in The Almighty’s help, The Almighty parted the Red Sea so that Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers could pass to safety. As punishment, the Pharaoh and his army were then submerged in the sea. Then We inspired to Moses, “Strike with your staff the sea,” and it parted, and each portion was like a great towering mountain. And We drew forward the others [i.e., the pursuers]. And We
saved Moses and those with him, all together. Then We drowned the others. Indeed in that is a sign, but most of them were not to be believers. And indeed, your Lord – He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful.
Qur’an | Surah Ash-Shu’ara | 26:63-68
The story of Ashura and other Prophets
The Day of Ashura was also significant in the time of other prophets. For example, in the time of prophet Nuh (AS), some narrations say that on the day of Ashura, The Almighty returned his arc back to dry land after the flooding stopped. It was a day of relief and celebration for the Prophet and his devoted companions. Some narrations also say that The Day of Ashura was also the day that Prophet Adam (AS) repented and was forgiven by The Almighty after eating the forbidden fruit. On the day of Ashura as well, Prophet Yunus (AS) was released from the belly of the whale.
Ashura Fasting
Muslims are encouraged to fast the Day of Ashura by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
I never saw the Messenger of The Almighty (peace and blessings of The Almighty be upon
him) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of ‘Ashura’, and this month, meaning Ramadhan. Hadith | Sahih al-Bukhari
Why did the Prophet (PBUH) fast on Ashura?
Fasting the 9th of Muharram
The scholars of Islam consider it recommended to fast on the 9th of Muharram along with the 10th of Muharram (‘Ashura). This is due to the Hadith:
When the Messenger of The Almighty (pbuh) fasted on the day of ‘Ashura and told the people to fast, they said, “O Messenger of The Almighty, this is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.” The Messenger of The Almighty (PBUH) said, “Next year, if The Almighty wills, we will fast on the ninth day.” But by the time the following year came, the Messenger of The Almighty (PBUH) had passed away. (Muslim). The Prophet (PBUH) wanted to fast on the 9th and 10th, in order to differ from the people of the book.
Fasting the 11th of Muharram?
Some of the scholars also considered fasting on the 11th of Muharram to be recommended. This could be if one misses the 9th
* Therefore it is virtuous:
* To fast the 9th and 10th,
* Or to fast the 10th and 11th.
Any one of these options is recommended.
