What Happened On The Day of Ashura?

Ashura is a significant day in Islam. It falls on the tenth day of Muharram, which is the first month in the Islamic calendar. Ashura itself means ‘tenth’ in Arabic.

The exact significance of this day, and how it is marked, v aries between the two main denominations of Islam. Broadly, for Sunni Muslims (about 90% of the world’s Muslims) it is a day of celebration while for Shia Muslims (about 10% of Muslims) it is more sombre day of mourning.

When Is the Day of Ashura 2025?

Because the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, the exact time and date of Ashura depends on the sighting of the moon at the right time. In the UK, the tenth day of Muharram is expected to start on the evening of Saturday, July 5th 2025 and run to the evening of Sunday, July 6th. Because the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, the exact time and date of Ashura depends on the sighting of the moon at the right time.

What Is The Day of Ashura?

In Sunni Islam, Ashura is an auspicious day, which by traditions is linked to many important and significant events in Muslim history. The primary occasion associated with Ashura is that this was the date of the parting of the Red Sea by Moses or Musa (AS). Musa is a prominent prophet and messenger of Allah (SWT) in Islam and is the most-mentioned individual in the Qu’ran

Musa (AS) was sent by Allah (SWT) to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Chased by the Pharoah’s soldiers, Musa and the Israelites came to the shore of the Red Sea. Allah parted the waters of the sea before them, allowing them to escape and drowning their pursuers. It is an inspiring demonstration of the power and mercy of Allah (SWT) and of Musa’s faith and trust in God. This is why it is a day of celebration and gratitude.

Other important moments in Islamic religious history have been assigned to Ashura. For Sunnis this is also the day when Allah (SWT) forgave Adam for his transgressions, Nuh (AS) left the Ark after the Great Flood, Yusuf (AS) was reunited with his father Yaqub (AS) after many years separation and Yunus (AS) was released from the belly of the whale that had swallowed him. This is also the day when it is held that Ibraham (AS) and Isa (AS) were born.

Significance of the Day of Ashura in Shia Islam

However, in Shia Islam this day marks the death of Husayin ibn Ali (RA), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In the year 680 Yazid inherited the position of Umayyad caliph, ruler over the Muslim world, from his father. This hereditary transfer of rule – the first since the death of Muhammad (PBUH) – was seen as illegitimate and corrupt by many. Husayin ibn Ali (RA) refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid and fled with his family from Medina to Mecca.

Breaching the rules of Mecca as a holy city, Yazid moved his army there to attack Husayin and his supporters. To save his life and to protect Mecca, Husayin retreated again towards the city of Kufa, whose people had pledged allegiance to him. Before reaching Kufa, Husayin (RA) was surrounded by Yazid’s army. Husayin (RA) again refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid, who then killed Husayin and all his family and companions in the Battle of Karbala that followed.

Therefore, for the Shia, Ashura is a day for mourning for the death of Husayin (RA), commemorating his stand against immorality and his resistance and loyalty in the face of oppression.

What Happens on the Day of Ashura?

So Ashura can be a day for celebration or mourning for Muslims. Although Sunnis and Shias mark the day for different reasons and in very different ways, the events of Ashura are not the reason for, or really a reflection of, the differences between the two groups. The split between Sunni and Shia Muslims happened at least two centuries after the time of Husayin (RA) and Yazid. Many Sunnis also revere Husayin (RA) and see Yazid as impious and villainous. Meanwhile, Shias also hold Ashura to be the day of many of the ancient events that are celebrated by Sunnis.

For both groups the Day of Ashura is a testament to religious faith and devotion and the triumph of righteousness over tyranny, whether the main focus of the day is on Musa (AS) leading the Israelites to freedom through the Red Sea or Husayin (RA) fighting to his death to stand up for his faith and justice.

For Sunnis, Ashura and the day before are days for voluntary fasting. This is a tradition that dates back to Musa and Nuh (AS), who fasted to give thanks and celebration to Allah (SWT) for granting their safety and deliverance. Prayers and religious ceremonies are held on Ashura, and the fast is broken by a feast. This feast is often communal and combined with a parade or carnival. It is a joyous occasion of thanksgiving to Allah (SWT). Sunnis also believe that, because Ashura is a day of celebration and deliverance, that it is a special and powerful time in their relationship with Allah (SWT). On Ashura, Sunnis offer special prayers for Allah (SWT) to forgive

Ashura is a much more sombre occasion for Shias. Since fasting on Ashura is a sign of celebration and thanks, and the day remembers the death of Husayin (RA), it is forbidden to fast on this day. Many Shias do forego food and drink as a reflection of the trials and suffering of Husayin, but they make sure to eat and drink a small amount during the day so this doesn’t count as a religious fast. Shias carry out mourning practices, with sombre clothes, quiet behaviour and public displays of grief. Worldly business and pleasures are put aside. Poems about the Battle of Karbala and prayers for Husayin (RA) are read. In the traditional Shia regions of modern-day Iraq and Iran, the day often includes colourful parades and plays that commemorate and reenact the Battle.

Make the Most of the Day of Ashura

Ashura is the most important day in the sacred month of Ashura, and good deeds carry greater spiritual reward during this special time. Muslims can draw closer to Allah (SWT), seek his forgiveness and amplify their acts of charity. Whether it is to commemorate the deliverance of Musa (AS) and the Israelites or to honour the martyrdom of Husayin (RA) and the solidarity with Muslims around the world, donating to charity is in keeping with this special occasion.

By donating to Orphans in Need Muslims can embrace the spirit and meaning of the Day of Ashura, help their spiritual journey and deepen their connection with their faith and heritage.