What is Ashura Day in Islam, Significance, History, and Importance

The Day of Ashura is a very important occasion in the Islamic religion. It is also a dignified and holy observance in the Muslim calendar. The day has deep historical and religious importance for various Islamic communities.

What Is Ashura?

Ashura in Islam is the day when Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali. The day has deep meaning for all Muslims because on this day, Hussein RA was killed by the forces of Yazid ibn Muawiya at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE (61 AH).

There are many occasions throughout the year that hold greater spiritual significance than others. It is the 10th date in the month of Muharram in the Islamic calendar. The word comes from the Arabic language “Asharah”. It means ten in English translation.

The day marked numerous major events that happened in the history of Islam, it also includes the event that occurred in Egypt when Allah helped Hazrat Musa (AS) and the Israelites and protected them from the oppression of Firaun and his people. Our Holy Prophet SAW also recommended to keep fast on this holy day when he noticed that the Jews had fast. He suggested this practice because Muslims have a closer link to Musa AS.

When Is the Day Of Ashura 2025?

The coming Saturday, July 5th, is the Day of Ashura. The event represents spiritually important and blessed occasions of the year.

Allah (swt) states in the Holy Book, “And We certainly sent Musa with Our signs, [saying], “Bring out your people from darkness into the light and remind them of the days of Allah.” Indeed in that are signs for everyone patient and grateful.”. [Qur’an, 14:5]

Importance Of Ashura Day?

The Significance of Ashura in Islam is very important in Islam. It presents a strong reminder of how merciful and kind Allah is. The occasion has a history of many important Islamic events.

The martyrdom of Husayn at Karbala is an important moment in Islamic history. It is an ultimate sacrifice for justice and righteousness. The events tell us to stand against tyranny regardless of personal cost.

Husayn’s famous words “Death with dignity is better than life with humiliation” 

Today, millions of Shia Muslims participate in annual pilgrimages to Karbala. The communities from different places organize processions and play Ta’zieh. People also do charitable activities during the first ten days of Muharram.

The importance of Ashura presents an opportunity for spiritual refinement, and it helps us remember the blessings that Allah gives us.

Allah parted the Red Sea on this day to rescue Mosa (AS) and the Israelites from Pharaoh’s oppression. The incident tells how faith wins over tyranny. Ashura in Islam is also the day when Muslims fast. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) recommended fasting on this occasion.

History Of Ashura Day In Islam

Battle Of Karbala

For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a day of sorrow. The third imam and the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is Husayn ibn Ali. It is a day of mourning for them because he passed away on this day. He disapproved of Yazid ibn Mu’awiya, the caliph of the Umayyads. The practice went against his beliefs. The Umayyad army killed him and most of his male relatives and followers in the Battle of Karbala on Ashura.

Yazid’s forces imposed harsh conditions on Husayn RA and his companions on the battlefield. Firaun also refused to provide water from the neighboring Euphrates River to Husayn and his people on the battlefield. Women and children were also thirsty. The desert was very warm, and it had scorching heat. These factors make the citation worse, and in this situation, Husayn also stood for truth and the preservation of Islam. Husayn refused to surrender his principles even in the face of immense oppression and suffering. Husayn performed his last prayers and got ready for what he knew would be his final battle on the morning of Ashura.

It is a way to stand against oppression and show devotion to Allah. As per them, it will help them gain Husayn’s intercession in the afterlife. During these ceremonies that take place on Ashura day, mourners beat their chests to share in Husayn’s pain.

Miracle Of the Red Sea

Allah sent Prophet Musa (AS) to guide the Israelites who were living under the brutal oppression of Pharaoh, who is also known as Firaun, in Egypt. He used to commit great oppression and cruelty upon them. He considered himself a god and refused to acknowledge the true God, Allah. Allah commanded Musa (AS) to go to Firaun and tell him the release the Israelites. Musa AS went with his brother Harun AS and gave Allah’s message to Firaun. But he rejected it arrogantly and even increased the victimization of the Israelites.

Allah gave several miracles to Musa AS that included turning his staff into a serpent and making his hand shine with divine light. When Firaun continued to refuse, Allah sent ten devastating plagues upon Egypt. They included floods, locusts, lice, frogs, blood, and darkness.

Each plague was a sign from Allah and it gave opportunities to Pharaoh to repent and free the Israelites. Allah lifted the plagues each time Pharaoh promised to free the Israelites, but Pharaoh broke his promises every time. Finally, Allah commanded Musa (AS) to lead the Israelites out of Egypt at time of night. When Fairaun came to know about the departure, he assembled his massive army and chariots to pursue them. The Israelites were caught between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea. There was no way out.

At this moment, Allah instructed Musa (AS) to strike the sea with his staff. A miracle happened and the water parted. A dry path appeared in the sea. The Israelites made their way to the other side without incident. The Firaun and his army followed in activity. When the Israelites crossed the sea, Allah caused the waters to return to their natural state, and Pharaoh and his entire army drowned in the sea.

Ashura’s Link To Earlier Prophets

The story of other Prophets also tells us about the Significance of Ashura in Islam.

According to certain Islamic traditions, during the era of Prophet Nuh (AS), this was the day when Allah caused his ark to rest on solid ground. The flood ended here with the command of God. The occasion brought gratitude to the Prophet and his faithful followers.

Various Islamic sources suggest that Ashura is connected to several other important events in prophetic history. Some accounts mention that this was the day when Prophet Adam (AS) sought forgiveness from Allah. He received a divine pardon after consuming the forbidden fruit.

Some narrations also tell that it was the day of Ashura when Hazrat Yunus AS emerged from the whale’s belly, and when Allah granted forgiveness to his community.

The Significance of Ashura Day In Islam

More Than Unity

The Significance of Ashura in Islam is not just limited to unity. Ashura indeed unites Muslims in common themes of sacrifice and faith, but it also has more importance. It reminds us of how Allah helps us in difficult situations and punishes those who treat others badly. The occasion also displays that the righteous are those who get rewards from God, and He protects them from all levels. The belief that the Lord is always there for those who have a clear heart and believe in Allah presents hope and strength to Muslims.

Lessons For Present-Day Muslims

The stories of Ashura tell us how Muslims stood up against injustice and believed in Allah. It helps us maintain our faith during tough times and present moral courage. Muslims also relate these incidents to present day issues. The occasion of Ashura tells us that Muslims should always follow the same principles of righteousness no matter what situation arises.

Emphasis On Gratitude

Our Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) taught us that Ashura is a day of being thankful and remembering all the good things Allah has given us. It tells us how important it is for us to see what blessings our Lord gives us, even without asking. We should always say Alhamdulillah and thank God for all the things we have.

Why Do Muslims Fast On the Day Of Ashura?

Our Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) recommended the Muslims of Madina to fast on the occasion of Ashura when He saw the Jewish community who did the same. When Our Holy Prophet (SAW) noticed that Jews in Madina fasted to commemorate Mosa (AS) and the Israelites’ escape from Pharaoh, He thought that Muslims should also fast because we have a closer connection to Mosa (AS).

What Should You Do On the Day Of Ashura?

Muslims should fast on this holy day. Fasting is not obligatory, but it is recommended as mentioned above. If you decide to fast, you should have the intention to look for the reward that Allah gives you. You should also remember the importance of Ashura when you make niyah for fasting.

You can also engage in additional prayers and participate in other holy practices like Reading the Quran and listening to stories of Prophet Mosa and the Battle of Karbala. Muslims should do dhikr and remember Allah.

Conclusion

The day of Ashura is not any ordinary day, and it is a very special day in the history of Islam that tells about the mercy and blessings of Allah. Muslims perform fasting on this day and also offer more prayers. People do charity and also participate in other good deeds to make a stronger connection with God and always see his blessings.

FAQs

Is it mandatory to keep fast on Ashura?

No, it is not mandatory to fast but it is recommended to perform fasting on this day.

How did Allah help Musa AS?

Allah helped Musa AS in several ways. On the day of Ashura, Allah parted the Red Sea and made the way for Musa AS and the Israelites. When Musa AS struck his staff in the seas, it split with the command of Allah.

Why do Shia Muslims mourn on Ashura?

Shia mourns in remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali who sacrificed his life for Islam.

What other activities can I do besides fasting?

You can also read the Quran and do charity on this day. People also arrange religious lectures, and you can go there to learn more about Ashura.