The Day of Ashura: History, Significance, and How to Observe

What is the Day of Ashura?

Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram — the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar and one of the four sacred months. The name "Ashura" comes from the Arabic word for "ten" (ashara), directly referencing its position as the 10th day of the month.

Ashura is one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar for voluntary fasting. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) fasted on this day and instructed his companions to do the same, linking the observance to the deliverance of Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. Fasting on Ashura is described in an authentic hadith as expiating the sins of the entire previous year — making it one of the most rewarding single acts of worship in the entire Islamic year.

The Story of Ashura: Musa and Pharaoh

The significance of Ashura as a day of fasting in Islam is firmly rooted in the story of Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) and the Children of Israel. The following event is narrated in an authentic hadith:

When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) arrived in Medina after the Hijra, he observed that the Jewish community was fasting on a specific day in Muharram. He asked: "What is this fast?"

They replied: "This is a great and blessed day. Allah saved Musa (Moses) and his people on this day and drowned Pharaoh and his people. Musa fasted on this day out of gratitude, and so we fast on it."

The Prophet replied: "We have more right to Musa than you," and he fasted that day and instructed his companions to fast as well. (Bukhari and Muslim)

This event connects Ashura to one of the most momentous deliverances in prophetic history — the miracle by which Allah parted the sea, saved the Children of Israel, and destroyed the army of Pharaoh. Muslims fast on Ashura as an act of gratitude to Allah for this great deliverance — the same gratitude that Musa himself expressed through fasting.

The Reward of Fasting on Ashura

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described the immense reward of fasting on Ashura:

"Fasting on the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will accept it as expiation for the year before it." (Muslim)

In other narrations, the Prophet also mentioned that the fast of Arafah (9th of Dhul Hijjah) expiates two years — the previous and the coming year. Ashura expiates the previous year's (minor) sins. These are among the most generous rewards of any voluntary fasting day in the Islamic calendar.

It is important to note that these expiations apply to minor sins. Major sins (kabair) require sincere repentance (tawbah) directly to Allah.

Fasting the 9th Along with the 10th

The Prophet intended to distinguish the Muslim observance of Ashura from that of the Jewish community by adding an additional day of fasting. Shortly before his death, he said:

"If I live until next year, I will certainly fast the ninth (of Muharram) as well." (Muslim)

Based on this statement, scholars recommend fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram together (or the 10th and 11th, as an alternative). Fasting only the 10th is still valid and rewarding, but adding the 9th is the more complete Sunnah practice.

The Historical Events of Ashura

Islamic tradition holds that several significant events in prophetic history occurred on or around the 10th of Muharram. While not all of these have the same level of authentication as the Musa narrative, they are mentioned in various Islamic texts:

• Allah accepted the repentance of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him)
• Nuh's (Noah's) ark came to rest after the flood
• Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was saved from the fire of Nimrod
• Prophet Yunus (Jonah) was rescued from the belly of the whale
• The martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali (the Prophet's grandson) at Karbala in 61 AH (680 CE)

It is important to apply appropriate scholarly standards when referencing these events, as their occurrence specifically on the 10th of Muharram varies in the strength of its evidence.

Sunni and Shia Observance: Understanding the Difference

Ashura is observed by both Sunni and Shia Muslims, but with very different emphasis and practices:

Sunni Observance

Sunni Muslims observe Ashura primarily as a day of fasting and gratitude to Allah for His deliverance of Musa and the Children of Israel. The focus is on the Sunnah of fasting on the 9th and 10th (or 10th and 11th) of Muharram. Sunni communities may also hold lectures and reminders about the significance of this day.

Shia Observance

For the Shia Muslim community, Ashura is the most solemn day of the year — a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali (the Prophet's grandson and son of Ali ibn Abi Talib) and his companions at the Battle of Karbala in 61 AH (680 CE). Husayn and his family were killed by the forces of the Umayyad caliph Yazid ibn Muawiyah when Husayn refused to pledge allegiance to what he viewed as an unjust ruler.

Shia Muslims mark Ashura with processions, lectures, theatrical reenactments, communal gatherings, and expressions of grief. For many Shia communities, Ashura is not a day of fasting (as the fast might be seen as a celebration), but rather a day of mourning and lamentation.

Both the Sunni fasting tradition and the Shia mourning tradition reflect deep reverence for this day, though through very different expressions. Understanding both perspectives helps Muslims appreciate the diversity within the Ummah and the different historical experiences that shape Islamic practice.

How to Observe Ashura as a Sunni Muslim

Fasting

The primary recommended act on Ashura is fasting. Fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram (or 10th and 11th). This is a confirmed Sunnah with great reward.

Increased Worship

Use the day for additional dhikr, dua, Quran recitation, and reflection on Allah's mercy and power. The story of Musa and his deliverance is a powerful reminder of Allah's ability to rescue those who are faithful.

Charity (Sadaqah)

Some scholars, based on narrations about the virtue of generosity on Ashura, recommend increased charity on this day — feeding the hungry, supporting the poor, and giving generously. While the hadith specifically about spending generously on one's family on Ashura is considered weak by many hadith scholars, general charity on this blessed day is always rewarded.

Gratitude and Reflection

Ashura is a day to reflect on Allah's justice and mercy — His ability to deliver the oppressed from the oppressor, His acceptance of sincere repentance, and His forgiveness for those who seek it. Make special dua on this day asking for Allah's guidance, mercy, and forgiveness.

Commonly Asked Questions About Ashura

Is it permissible to fast only on the 10th without the 9th?

Yes, fasting on the 10th of Muharram alone is valid and carries the hadith-described reward of expiation for the previous year. However, adding the 9th (or 11th) to distinguish from those who fast only the 10th is the recommended Sunnah based on the Prophet's statement.

Can I make a special prayer or worship on Ashura beyond fasting?

General worship (dua, dhikr, Quran, Salah) is always encouraged. However, there are no specific prayers or rituals prescribed exclusively for Ashura beyond the fasting. Muslims should be cautious about innovations (bid'ah) and stick to the acts of worship that are authentically prescribed.

Should I celebrate Ashura or mourn?

From a Sunni Islamic perspective, Ashura is a day of gratitude and fasting — a day of blessing and reward, not mourning. Excessive mourning practices for Ashura are not part of the Sunnah of the Prophet.

Conclusion

Ashura is one of the most blessed days of the Islamic year — a day when Allah's mercy, justice, and power are especially remembered through the story of Musa and his miraculous deliverance from Pharaoh. By fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, Muslims connect to a tradition that the Prophet Muhammad himself practiced and recommended, and earn the extraordinary reward of expiation for an entire year's minor sins.

Use Hijri Guide's Islamic calendar to identify the dates of the 9th and 10th of Muharram in your current Gregorian year, so you can plan your Ashura fast.