The Day of Ashura observed on the 10th of Muharram, is a significant day in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates major historical events, including the deliverance of Prophet Musa (AS) from Pharaoh and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) at the Battle of Karbala. Fasting on Ashura is highly recommended in Islam, as it expiates sins from the previous year. This sacred day is marked by worship, reflection, and remembrance of sacrifice, justice, and divine mercy.
Ashura Meaning in Islam
Ashura (Arabic: عاشوراء) is the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The word Ashura comes from the Arabic word “ʿAshara”, which means “ten”—referring to the tenth day of Muharram.
Ashura fasting benefits
1. Expiation of Sins from the Previous Year
The greatest benefit of fasting on Ashura is that it wipes out the minor sins of the previous year.
🔹 Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Fasting on the day of Ashura, I hope, will expiate for the sins of the previous year.”
— [Sahih Muslim, 1162]
This is a powerful act of spiritual purification, making it one of the most recommended voluntary fasts after Ramadan.
2. Following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ
Fasting on Ashura is a practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He fasted this day even before the obligation of Ramadan, and continued it afterward.
“The Prophet ﷺ came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the Day of Ashura. He said: ‘What is this?’ They said: ‘This is a righteous day… this is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy.’ So the Prophet fasted on that day and told the Muslims to fast.”
— [Sahih Bukhari, 2004]
3. Expressing Gratitude to Allah
Fasting on Ashura is a form of shukr (gratitude) to Allah for saving Prophet Musa (AS) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. It reminds Muslims of divine mercy and deliverance.
4. Differentiating from Other Religions
To distinguish the Islamic practice from that of the Jews, the Prophet ﷺ recommended fasting an extra day:
“Fast the day of Ashura, but do something different from the Jews: fast a day before it or a day after it.”
— [Musnad Ahmad]
📌 It’s Sunnah to fast on:
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9th & 10th Muharram, or
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10th & 11th Muharram
5. Spiritual Renewal
Ashura fasting brings:
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Closeness to Allah
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Increased taqwa (God-consciousness)
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Opportunity for reflection and repentance
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Extra reward during a sacred month (Muharram)
6. Opportunity for Additional Rewards
Combining fasting with charity, Qur’an recitation, and good deeds on this day increases your reward even more. Muharram is one of the sacred months, so all righteous actions carry multiplied blessings.
Significance of Ashura in Islam
Ashura holds deep historical and spiritual importance in Islam and is observed by both Sunni and Shia Muslims, although in different ways.
For Sunni Muslims:
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It is a day of fasting and reflection.
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The Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh on this day.
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The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fasted on Ashura and encouraged others to fast as a way of gratitude to Allah.
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It is recommended to fast on the 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th of Muharram.
For Shia Muslims:
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It marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.
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It is a day of mourning, remembrance, and solidarity with the oppressed.
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Shia Muslims engage in majlis (gatherings), recitations, and processions to honor Imam Hussain’s sacrifice for justice and truth.
What is the Day of Ashura?
The Day of Ashura, observed on the 10th of Muharram, is one of the most sacred days in the Islamic calendar. It is a day marked with profound historical significance, spiritual virtue, and opportunities for forgiveness and renewal.
Ashura is commemorated by both Sunni and Shia Muslims around the world, each community reflecting on its importance in different religious and historical contexts.
Historical Significance of the 10th Muharram
Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Red Sea Miracle
According to authentic hadiths, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) observed the Jews fasting on Ashura because Allah saved Prophet Musa (AS) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh’s tyranny on this day. In response, the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“We have more right to Musa than they do,” and he fasted on that day and encouraged Muslims to fast as well. (Sahih Muslim)
Tragedy of Karbala (Shia Perspective)
In Shia Islam, the Day of Ashura holds a deep emotional connection due to the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of the Prophet (PBUH), at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. This event symbolizes resistance against oppression and injustice.
Read more: The Battle of Karbala: History, Summary, and Significance Explained
Top Virtues of 10th Muharram in Islam
The virtues of the 10th Muharram are numerous and well-documented in Hadith literature. Fasting, prayer, and reflection are key elements of worship on this day.
1. Expiation of Sins
Fasting on Ashura wipes out minor sins from the previous year.
“Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.”
(Sahih Muslim 1162)
2. Following the Sunnah
Fasting on Ashura emulates the actions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions. This builds a connection with the early generations of Muslims.
3. Spiritual Renewal
The day provides an opportunity to repent, reflect, and renew your relationship with Allah.
4. Solidarity with the Oppressed
By remembering Imam Hussain’s sacrifice, Muslims reaffirm their commitment to justice, dignity, and truth.
Recommended Acts on the Day of Ashura
Here are some highly recommended practices to reap the spiritual benefits of this sacred day:
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Fasting (Preferably 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th of Muharram)
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Sincere repentance
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Increasing acts of worship (Salat, Dhikr, Quran recitation)
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Helping the needy and giving charity
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Reflecting on historical lessons
Comparison Table: Ashura Observance (Sunni vs. Shia)
| Category | Sunni Perspective | Shia Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| Main Focus | Fasting and emulating Prophet Musa (AS) | Mourning the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) |
| Practices | Fasting, Duas, Sadaqah | Majlis (gatherings), Noha (elegy recitation) |
| View on Karbala | Respected event in Islamic history | Central to religious identity |
| Rituals | Peaceful, individual worship | Mourning processions, symbolic acts |
Read more: History of Ashura and The Tragedy of Karbala in English
6 Interesting Facts About the Day of Ashura
1. “Ashura” literally means “the tenth”
The word Ashura comes from the Arabic word “ʿAsharah”, meaning “ten”, and refers to the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muharram is one of the four sacred months in which warfare and injustice are forbidden in Islam. The Day of Ashura has been significant even before the advent of Islam; it was observed by the Jews of Madinah, which led Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to acknowledge its importance and recommend fasting on this day.
2. Moses (Musa) and the miraculous deliverance
According to authentic hadiths, the Prophet ﷺ found that Jews fasted on Ashura to commemorate the day when Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites from the tyranny of Pharaoh (Fir’awn) by parting the Red Sea. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“We are closer to Musa than they are.”
(Sahih Muslim)
He then instructed Muslims to fast on Ashura, and later advised fasting either a day before (9th) or after (11th) to differentiate from the Jewish tradition.
3. Noah (Nuh) left the Ark on Ashura
Islamic narrations mention that Prophet Nuh (Noah) and his followers safely landed on Mount Judi on the Day of Ashura after the great flood ended. As a gesture of gratitude, he fasted on this day. This story adds another layer of divine mercy and deliverance to the significance of Ashura, linking it to new beginnings and thankfulness.
4. Imam Husain’s (RA) martyrdom at Karbala
For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a day of deep mourning and remembrance, as it marks the tragic martyrdom of Imam Husain ibn Ali (RA), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. On 10 Muharram 61 AH (October 10, 680 CE), in the barren land of Karbala (modern-day Iraq), Imam Husain and his small group of family and companions were killed by the forces of Yazid ibn Muawiyah, after days without water. His courageous stand against tyranny and injustice is commemorated through processions, poetry (marsiya/noha), and public gatherings (majalis). His sacrifice is a powerful symbol of resistance, justice, and truth.
5. Good deeds carry multiplied rewards
Ashura falls in Muharram, one of the four sacred months (along with Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Rajab), mentioned in the Qur’an (Surah At-Tawbah 9:36). During these months, acts of worship are especially rewarded, and sins carry more weight. Muslims are encouraged to:
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Fast on the 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th of Muharram
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Increase voluntary prayers (nafl)
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Engage in dhikr (remembrance of Allah)
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Read and reflect on the Qur’an
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Make du’a (supplication)
6. Charity on Ashura counts as a full year’s worth
Fasting on the Day of Ashura is highly virtuous. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope, will expiate for the sins of the previous year.”
(Sahih Muslim)
In addition to fasting, giving charity (sadaqah) on Ashura is believed to carry immense rewards, with some scholars mentioning it is equal to giving charity for an entire year. It’s a perfect day to support the needy, sponsor orphans, or contribute to humanitarian causes.
🔍 FAQs About the Day of Ashura
Why do Muslims fast on the Day of Ashura?
To follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who fasted in gratitude for Allah’s mercy shown to Musa (AS) and the Israelites.
Can I fast only on the 10th of Muharram?
It’s recommended to add the 9th or 11th to differentiate from Jewish customs, but fasting only the 10th is still valid.
What is the reward for fasting on Ashura?
One year’s minor sins are forgiven, according to authentic hadiths.
Is Ashura a public holiday?
In many Muslim countries, it is an official holiday due to its religious and historical importance.
