Ashura 2025: Ashura is an important day of remembrance in Islam, observed each year on the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. For Sunni Muslims, it commemorates the miraculous parting of the Red Sea by Prophet Moses and the deliverance of the Israelites from Pharaoh’s oppression.
When is Ashura 2025?
The Day of Ashura, also known as the 10th of Muharram, is an important day in the Islamic calendar. In 2025, Ashura is expected to fall on July 05 in Saudi Arabia. This article covers the significance of Ashura, its traditions, and some common misconceptions surrounding this sacred day.
What is the 10th day of Muharram 2025?
| Western Date | Day of Week | Hijri Date |
|---|---|---|
| 6-July-2025 | Sunday | 10-Muharram-1447 |
The Islamic Calendar and Muharram
The Islamic calendar is based on lunar months, and Muharram is the first of these twelve months, making it a significant time in the Islamic year. Known as “The Month of Allah,” it holds great importance in Islamic tradition. The following hadith illustrates the significance of fasting during this month:
“The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said: ‘The best fasting after the month of Ramadan is the month of Allah, Al-Muharram.'”
(An-Nasai: 1613)
Muharram is also one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months… of these, four are sacred.”
(Surah At-Taubah: 9:36)
These four sacred months are Dhul-Qadah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab, as emphasized by the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) in his last Hajj sermon.
The Significance of the Day of Ashura
Ashura is observed on the 10th of Muharram and holds a unique place in the Islamic tradition. While some people associate the sanctity of this day with the martyrdom of Husain Ibn Ali (R.A.), this event is only one of many reasons for Ashura’s importance. Its sacredness was established long before the tragedy at Karbala.
The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) himself acknowledged the significance of this day when he found that the Jews of Madinah were fasting to commemorate the day when Moses (A.S.) was saved from Pharaoh. The Prophet said:
“You (Muslims) have more right to celebrate Moses’ victory than they have, so observe the fast on this day.”
(Sahih Bukhari: 4680)
To further distinguish Muslim practices from Jewish traditions, the Prophet (S.A.W.) intended to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, though he did not live to see the following year:
“If I live until next year, I will fast the ninth day too.”
(Ibn Majah: 1736)
Thus, it is recommended to fast on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram to follow this Sunnah.
Fasting on the Day of Ashura
Importance of Fasting on the Day of Ashura
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A Tradition of the Prophet ﷺ
Before Ramadan fasting became obligatory, fasting on Ashura was practiced by the Prophet ﷺ. He continued to observe it even after the Ramadan fasts were legislated and encouraged others to do the same. -
Expiation of Sins
According to the Hadith in Sahih Muslim:“Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.”
(Sahih Muslim 1162)This means that fasting on Ashura can wipe out the minor sins of the previous year, which is a powerful spiritual benefit.
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Following the Sunnah and Opposing the Jews
The Prophet ﷺ fasted on Ashura in commemoration of Prophet Musa (Moses) عليه السلام, whom Allah saved from Pharaoh on this day. When the Prophet ﷺ saw the Jews fasting in honor of this event, he said:“We have more right to Musa than you.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 2004)He then fasted and encouraged Muslims to do the same, and intended to add the 9th of Muharram (Tasu’a) the following year to differentiate the Muslim practice from that of the Jews. Hence, it is recommended to fast either:
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Only the 10th (Ashura), or
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The 9th and 10th, or
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The 10th and 11th
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The Reward of Fasting on Ashura
Fasting on the Day of Ashura is a confirmed Sunnah and offers great spiritual rewards. One of the significant benefits of fasting on this day is the expiation of sins for the previous year:
“Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope, will expiate for the sins of the previous year.”
(Ibn Majah: 1738)
While this fasting is optional, it is a meritorious act that the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) encouraged.
Common Misconceptions about Ashura
Despite its importance, several misconceptions and superstitions have become associated with the Day of Ashura over time. None of these are supported by authentic Islamic texts. Here are some examples:
- Prophet Adam (A.S.) was created on this day.
- Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) was born on the 10th of Muharram.
- Day of Judgment will take place on the 10th of Muharram.
- Taking a bath on Ashura guarantees protection from illness.
None of these claims are substantiated by the Quran or authentic Hadith. The Prophet (S.A.W.) never endorsed such practices, and none of the four major Islamic scholars supported them. Therefore, Muslims should avoid following these myths.
Ashura and the Martyrdom of Husain (R.A.)
Though the Day of Ashura’s significance predates the tragic event, the martyrdom of Husain Ibn Ali (R.A.) at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE (61 AH) is an important event that took place on this day. Husain’s (R.A.) death is considered a profound tragedy in Islamic history, particularly for the Shia Muslim community, who commemorate this day with mourning rituals.
However, it is important to note that the sanctity of Ashura was established long before this event and remains relevant to all Muslims as a day of reflection, fasting, and prayer.
Read more:
Virtues and Significance of Muharram in Islam
Conclusion
The Day of Ashura in 2025, expected to fall on July 05 or 06, is an opportunity for Muslims to revive the Sunnah of the Prophet (S.A.W.) through fasting and other good deeds. Muharram, being one of the sacred months, serves as a reminder to strengthen our faith and relationship with Allah.
Fasting on Ashura brings significant rewards, including the potential expiation of sins from the past year. In addition, we are reminded that the true significance of this day lies in its recognition as a day of Allah’s blessings, not in the myths and misconceptions that have developed over time.
As we observe Ashura, let us revive the Sunnah, seek forgiveness, and strengthen our connection to Allah through prayer, fasting, and righteous actions.
“Whoever revives my Sunnah then he has loved me. And whoever loved me, he shall be with me in Paradise.”
(Tirmidhi: 2678)
May Allah accept our good deeds, forgive our sins, and guide us on the right path.
