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Ashura (10th of Muharram)
The 10th of Muharram — a day of fasting and, for Shia Muslims, profound mourning.
📅 July 15🌙 Lunar calendar
✦ 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
“When the Prophet came to Medina and saw the Jews fasting on Ashura, he said: 'We have more right to Moses than you.' So he fasted and commanded fasting.”
— Hadith, Sahih Bukhari ↗
Note on dates: This holiday follows a lunar or lunisolar calendar. The date shown is approximate for 2025–2026. Exact dates may vary by one or two days depending on moon sighting and regional tradition. Always confirm with your local community.