Holiday Ashura In Islam: Meaning, Fasting, and Significance

Can a holiday be more than just a day off – a true catalyst for otherworldly growth and authentic remembrance? Thestands as an effective confirmation. Unlike many common celebrations centered exclusively on celebration, this significant day within the Islamic calendar offers profound otherworldly lessons, stories of monstrous sacrifice and divine deliverance, and a profound welcome to true repentance, encouraging Muslims to draw closer to Allah through fasting, contemplation, and prayer.

So, we’ll investigate the meaning of holiday ashura, its authentic background, why we fast on this favored day, the differences in observance between Sunni and Shia Muslims, how it is celebrated over the Muslim world, and finally what personal lessons are able to extricate from this sacrosanct event.

Understanding the Historical Roots of holiday ashura

The holiday Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram,, the first month of the Islamic lunar year. This year Ashura day will be 5 July 2025. Even before the advent of Islam, the people of Quraysh used to observe fasting on this day, perhaps as a remnant of Abrahamic tradition. In Makkah, the prophet Muhammed  (peace and blessings be upon him), was fasting this day like Quraysh,  it could have been in agreement with them, similar to (his agreement) in Hajj rites, or Allah the Exalted permitted him to fast it as an act of goodness.

Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) who said:

“The Quraysh used to fast on the day of Ashura during the pre-Islamic period of ignorance (Jahiliyyah), and the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) also used to fast it. When he migrated to Madinah, he fasted and commanded (the people) to fast it as well.”

In the next paragraph we will know why prophet Muhamad  (peace and blessings be upon him) when he migrated to Madinah, he fasted it and commanded (the people) to fast it as well.

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The Story of Prophet Musa and Its Connection to Ashura

The main story behind holiday ashura is the miraculous deliverance of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and Bani Israel from the tyranny of Pharaoh. On the day of holiday ashura, Allah split the Red Sea, saved Musa and his people, and drowned Pharaoh and his mighty army.

When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) migrated to Madinah, he found the Jews there also fasting on this day to commemorate the day Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and Israelites (bani Israel) from Pharaoh.

From Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) who said:

“When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) arrived in Madinah, he saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He said, ‘What is this?’ They replied, ‘This is a good day; it is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy, so Moses fasted it.’ The Prophet said, ‘I am more entitled to Moses than you.’ So he fasted it and commanded (the Muslims) to fast it.”

In this way, holiday ashura has roots that go remote back into the Abrahamic faith tradition, serving as a powerful reminder of Allah’s capacity to allow victory to the oppressed and punish the arrogant tyrants. This makes the holiday ashura not just an Islamic event but part of a much longer divine history that ranges generations of prophets.

Why Do Muslims Fast on Ashura? Spiritual Rewards Explained

Fasting on holiday ashura is a Sunnah strongly emphasized by our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him). In reality, some time recently the obligation of Ramadan, fasting holiday ashura was even obligatory. Afterward it got to be recommended, but its merit remains immense.

Narrated Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her):

“The Quraysh used to fast on the day of Ashura during the pre-Islamic period of ignorance (Jahiliyyah), and the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) also used to fast it. When he migrated to Madinah, he continued to fast it and commanded (the people) to fast it. Then when the month of Ramadan was made obligatory, he said: ‘Whoever wishes may fast it (Ashura), and whoever wishes may leave it.’”

Also, The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Fasting the day of holiday ashura, I hope from Allah that it will expiate the sins of the previous year.” (Reported by Muslim)

Imagine — by fasting one day on holiday ashura, Allah erases the sins of a whole past year! It is an opportunity for immense purification and a chance to renew one’s otherworldly commitment. As Muslims, we look forward to holiday ashura as a chance to win Allah’s forgiveness, deepen our taqwa (God-consciousness), and follow the Sunnah of our Prophet.

Ashura Observances: Differences Between Sunni and Shia Practices

It is important to acknowledge that holiday ashura also holds a different, yet related significance. On the same day Imam Husayn ibn Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was martyred.

While Sunnis focus on fasting and remembering the deliverance of Musa, Shia communities also mourn the martyrdom of Imam Husayn ibn Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) who was killed on the 10th of Muharram at Karbala.

Sunni Muslims generally mark holiday ashura through fasting, charity, and remembrance of Allah. Islam does not forbid us from remembering our master Husayn and praying for him. However, the Shia often commemorate this occasion with processions and gatherings that recount the events of Karbala and express grief in ways that reach the point of self-harm which goes against profound Islamic principles.

How Is the Holiday Ashura Celebrated Around the Muslim World?

The holiday ashura is observed differently over different Muslim societies, though its essence remains the same — remembrance, fasting, and seeking nearness to Allah.

• In Saudi Arabia and much of the Arab world, the emphasis is on fasting and special lessons (dars) in mosques focusing on the virtues of holiday ashura.
• In Egypt and Sudan, families often prepare modest meals to break the fast together, combining it with Quran recitation.
• In Turkey, special desserts called “Ashure” or Noah’s Pudding are made and shared with neighbors, symbolizing gratitude and community spirit during holiday ashura.
• In Pakistan, India, Iran, and Iraq, large gatherings and processions take place, especially among Shia communities, reflecting on the tragedy of Karbala.

Regardless of social contrasts, the holiday ashura joins together Muslims around the world in remembrance of Allah’s mercy, history of divine support, and the power of sincere devotion.

Lessons from Ashura: Reflection, Repentance, and Renewal

As Muslims, holiday ashura isn’t simply about historical events. It is a day that calls us to internal change. The lessons we extract from holiday ashura incorporate:

Trust in Allah: Just as Musa relied completely on Allah at the shores of the Red Sea, we too must trust Allah even when circumstances seem impossible.

Gratitude: Fasting on holiday ashura is an act of shukr (thankfulness) for Allah’s countless past favors — on the prophets and on us individually.

Repentance: With the promise of erasing a year’s sins, holiday ashura is a golden opportunity to repent sincerely and start anew.

Standing for Justice: The story of Husayn at Karbala reminds us never to compromise on truth and justice, even under severe oppression.

Thus, holiday ashura becomes a powerful annual milestone, pushing us to become better Muslims, closer to Allah, and more committed to His path.

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Conclusion

The holiday ashura is a treasure for the Muslim ummah. It ties us to the stories of our prophets, renews our sense of appreciation, gives us a means to expiate our sins through fasting, and reminds us of the respectable sacrifices made for the purpose of Allah. Whether we are motivated by the splitting of the ocean for Musa or the immovability of Husayn at Karbala, holiday ashura stands as a vivid reminder of Allah’s nonstop support for those who are sincere.

As this favored day returns each year, may we seize its immense blessings, fast with pure intentions, repent sincerely, and pray for the unity of the Muslim ummah.

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FAQs

When is the holiday ashura observed?
It falls on the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

Is fasting on the holiday ashura obligatory?
It is not obligatory but highly recommended (Sunnah Mu’akkadah). The Prophet fasted it and encouraged us to do the same.

Can we fast only on the day of holiday ashura?
It is better to fast a day before or after (the 9th or 11th) along with holiday ashura, to distinguish our practice from that of other communities like Jews.

What are the main lessons of holiday ashura for Muslims?
Trust in Allah, gratitude, repentance, standing for truth, and renewing spiritual commitments.