The 10th of Muharram — one of the most blessed days in the Islamic year. A day of fasting, gratitude, and remembrance.
ⓘ Dates are estimates based on astronomical calculations. The official start of Muharram depends on local moon sighting and may shift by one day.
The Day of Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. Its name comes from the Arabic word ʿashara — meaning ten.
Outside of Ramadan and the ten days of Dhul Hijjah, Ashura is one of the most significant days in the Islamic year — a day of fasting, reflection, and deep gratitude to Allah for His mercy upon the believers.
The Salvation of Prophet Musa (AS)
When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on Ashura. He asked about it and was told: this is the day Allah saved Musa and drowned Pharaoh. Musa fasted in gratitude — and so the Prophet ﷺ declared: "We have more right to Musa than you," and he fasted and instructed Muslims to fast.
"This is a great day on which Allah saved Musa and his people and drowned Pharaoh. Musa fasted on this day out of gratitude, so we also fast on this day."
The Battle of Karbala — Reflection and Remembrance
On 10 Muharram 61 AH (10 October 680 CE), Imam Hussain ibn Ali (RA), grandson of the Prophet ﷺ, was martyred along with his family and companions at Karbala. This event is a moment of reflection for all Muslims on justice, sacrifice, and standing firm in truth — though the prescribed response remains fasting and charity, not mourning rituals.
"Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the sins of the previous year."
Which days to fast — four options, all valid:
| Option | Hijri Dates | 2026 Dates |
|---|---|---|
|
9th, 10th & 11th Best
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim's preferred option — the most complete observance
|
Tasu'a, Ashura & Day after | ~24 Jun, ~25 Jun, ~26 Jun |
|
9th & 10th Recommended
"If I live until next year, I will fast on the ninth day too" (Sahih Muslim)
|
Tasu'a + Ashura | ~24 Jun + ~25 Jun |
|
10th & 11th Alternative
If the 9th was missed
|
Ashura + Day after | ~25 Jun + ~26 Jun |
|
10th only Permissible
Valid, but less preferred
|
Ashura only | ~25 Jun |
None are obligatory beyond the standard duties — these are strongly encouraged sunan and good deeds.
What is and isn't established about the Day of Ashura.
10 Muharram 1448 AH, expected Thursday, 25 June 2026, subject to moon sighting.
The Prophet ﷺ recommended fasting the 9th along with the 10th to distinguish from other traditions. Fasting both Tasu’a and Ashura is preferred (Sahih Muslim).
It expiates minor sins of the previous year (Sahih Muslim). Major sins require sincere repentance (tawbah) directly to Allah.
It marks the day Allah saved Prophet Musa (AS) and the Israelites from Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea. It is also the day Imam Hussain (RA), grandson of the Prophet ﷺ, was martyred at Karbala (680 CE).
