Ashura (10th of Muharram)
The 10th of Muharram, a day of fasting and, for Shia Muslims, profound mourning.
Ashura falls on 10 Muharram in the Islamic lunar calendar. It moves about 11 days earlier each Gregorian year, cycling through all seasons over about 33 years, and the exact day can depend on the sighting of the new moon.
When Is Ashura (10th of Muharram)?
Ashura falls on 10 Muharram in the Islamic lunar calendar. It moves about 11 days earlier each Gregorian year, cycling through all seasons over about 33 years, and the exact day can depend on the sighting of the new moon.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
For Sunni Muslims, Ashura commemorates Moses fasting in gratitude for the Exodus from Egypt, the Prophet Muhammad instituted fasting on this day. For Shia Muslims, it is the most solemn day of the year, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at Karbala in 680 CE.
How It Is Observed
Sunni: voluntary fasting. Shia: mourning processions, recitation of the story of Karbala, passion plays (Taziyeh), wearing black, lamentation. Charitable giving across all traditions.
Sacred Text
“The Prophet came to Medina and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura... The Prophet said, "We have more claim over Moses than you." So, the Prophet fasted on that day and ordered (the Muslims) to fast (on that day).”
, Sahih al-Bukhari 2004 ↗