Significance
Ashura falls on the 10th of Muharram and carries profound significance across Islamic traditions. According to the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), when he arrived in Medina and observed the Jews of Medina fasting on this day, he was told it was the day Allah saved Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. The Prophet (PBUH) said that Muslims have a greater right to observe Musa, and encouraged fasting on this day. He also recommended fasting the 9th along with the 10th to distinguish the Muslim practice. For Shia Muslims, Ashura additionally marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali at Karbala in 680 CE, and is observed with mourning, processions, and remembrance.
How It Is Observed
Sunni Muslims mark Ashura with fasting — ideally both the 9th and 10th of Muharram (or the 10th and 11th). The fast is highly recommended (Sunnah) and expiates the sins of the previous year, according to hadith. Shia Muslims observe Ashura as a solemn day of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussein at Karbala, with processions, gatherings, and the recitation of elegies. Across all traditions, the day is marked by increased prayer, Quran recitation, and remembrance of Allah.
From the Quran
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear. It will have what it has earned, and it will bear what it has brought upon itself. Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we forget or make an error. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people.”
— Al-Baqarah 2:286