Ashura

Supriya Jain
Dec 22, 2023 By Supriya Jain
Originally Published on Mar 14, 2022
Fact-checked by Amatullah Gulbargawala
Ashura was when Prophet Musa freed the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.

Where is Ashura observed?

This day is observed worldwide by the countries that are majorly the followers of Islam, such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bahrain, Iran, and Bangladesh.

Who is Ashura observed by?

Shia Muslims around the world observe the day, be it countries with a majority Shia population like Iran or minorities such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bahrain. In addition, some Sunni Muslims who are aware of the history of Karbala also observe this day.

When did Ashura first start?

The tragedy of Ashura occurred in 61 AH or on October 10, 680 AD, and since then, the day has been observed to mourn the sacrifice of Imam Hussein.

Who started Ashura?

The followers of Hazrat Imam Hussein started the observance of Muharram, thus Ashura on the day he was martyred along with his family and 72 companions.

History And Timeline

Ashura is an Islamic observance that occurs on the 10th day of Muharram, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussein Ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, along with his family and the 72 members who were with him in Karbala, Iraq, after being left without food and water for three days straight.

The martyrs incluImam'sam's six-month-old infant Ali AsgImam'sam's brother Abbas, the flag bearer of his army, and his other sons and nephews.

Right after this tragic incident, the tradition of Muharram began; it is a formal mourning period for Shia Muslims around the world.

Birth Of Imam Hussein

Imam Hussein was born as the second son of Lady Fatima, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad and wife of Imam Ali.

4 AH/626 AD

The Battle Of Karbala

Around the time 61 AH, the battle of Karbala took place.

61 AH/680 AD

Terrorist Attacks

In 1818, members of anti-Shia terrorism attacked North India.

1818

Bombing At Ashura Procession

In 1940, a bomb was thrown in the ongoing Ashura procession.

1940

Bombing At A Shia Pilgrimage

In the year 2004, an explosion took place at a pilgrimage site of Shia Muslims in Iraq, which resulted in the unfortunate death of 178 people leaving 5,000 injured.

2004

Traditions And Customs

The main custom or tradition of this day is that Shia Muslims make a pilgrimage to Karbala on the day of Ashura.

And on this day, the tragic history of Karbala is remembered, and mourning clothes are worn.

Ways To Observe Ashura

This day is not a celebration; in fait'sit's a day of mourning. So Shia Muslims mourn and wear back mourning clothes on this day. People can learn and spread the message of Karbala, organize and attend mourning discourses, 'ka 'Maja'is,' on this day. Shia Muslims also participate in Ashura processions that are held worldwide.

Facts And Stats

  • Ashura is an Arabic word that translates to ten.
  • Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram, observed predominantly by Shia Muslims. Muharram is known to be the first month in the lunar calendar of Islam.
  • Various religious processions are taken out on this day.

What does Ashura mean in Arabic?

Ashura means ten in Arabic.

What do Muslims eat during Ashura?

Many Muslims observe a fast on the day of Ashura. Muslims consume haleem and malido after they break their fast around the time of dusk.

Why are Muslims excited about Ashura?

People mourn and remember Imam Hussein on this day.

How do families observe Ashura?

They wear mourning clothes, attend and organize mourning ceremonies, and some even practice self-flagellation on the streets.

Who encouraged the commemoration of Ashura?

Shia Muslims encourage the observance of Ashura.

What are some events related to Ashura?

Ashura is the commemoration of the tragic event of the Battle of Karbala.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Sunday, August 30, 2020
  • Thursday, August 19, 2021
  • Monday, August 08, 2022
  • Friday, July 28, 2023
  • Wednesday, July 17, 2024

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Supriya Jain

Bachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing

Supriya Jain picture

Supriya JainBachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing

As a skilled member of the Kidadl team, Shruti brings extensive experience and expertise in professional content writing. With a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Punjab University and an MBA in Business Administration from IMT Nagpur, Shruti has worked in diverse roles such as sales intern, content writer, executive trainee, and business development consultant. Her exceptional writing skills cover a wide range of areas, including SOP, SEO, B2B/B2C, and academic content.

Read full bio >
Fact-checked by Amatullah Gulbargawala

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Bachelor of Education specializing in the Language Arts

Amatullah Gulbargawala picture

Amatullah GulbargawalaBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Bachelor of Education specializing in the Language Arts

Amatullah is a passionate student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from Ashoka College of Education. With a keen interest in literature, she has excelled in elocution competitions and is an accomplished writer. She has completed courses like "History of English Language and Literature", "Introduction to Western Political Thought and Theory", and "Development of Soft Skills and Personality". In her free time, Amatullah enjoys reading books and writing poetry.

Read full bio >