What is Ashura Holiday and Why Muslims Observe It

Have you ever thought about how important events in history still influence how we understand fairness, strength, and God’s wisdom? As Muslims, our religious history is full of such important moments, and none is more meaningful than the day of Ashura.

If you’re wondering what is Ashura holiday, you’ll find out it’s more than just a date on the Islamic calendar—it’s a powerful time filled with important lessons, deep feelings, and spiritual insights. We will take you on a detailed journey to learn what is ashura holiday, looking at its origins, how it helped shape ideas about justice, the challenges faced by people with faith, and the many different ways Muslims around the world celebrate this special day.

What is Ashura Holiday According to Islamic History?

To begin answering what is Ashura holiday, we must look back into the earliest periods of humanity and prophetic history. The word Ashura comes from the Arabic word “Asharah,” meaning ten, because it falls on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar.

According to Islamic teachings, Ashura is a day marked by important events. It was the day when Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites from the army of Pharaoh by splitting the Red Sea. This event is clearly mentioned in our beliefs and is one of the main reasons why the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) chose to fast on this day and advised others to do so as well.

So, when someone asks what is Ashura holiday, it’s important to know that it is deeply connected to the idea of divine salvation and the victory of truth over oppression. 

Over time, especially after the sorrowful events of Karbala, Ashura has also become linked to the sacrifice of Imam Hussain ibn Ali, which also happened on the 10th day of Muharram, the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

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Events That Took Place on the Day of Ashura

When discussing what is Ashura holiday, it is necessary to highlight the key events that occurred on this day according to Islamic sources. Here are some of the major incidents that Islamic scholars mention:

• The salvation of Prophet Musa and his people. This is the most widely acknowledged event and is the reason behind the recommended fast.
• The martyrdom of Imam Hussain (may Allah be pleased with him) in the Battle of Karbala.

Some people think that the following events happened also on Ashura:

• Prophet Nuh’s Ark coming to rest on Mount Judi. It is reported that after the flood, the Ark finally settled on this day.
• The repentance of Prophet Adam was accepted on this day.
• Prophet Yunus was freed from the belly of the whale.

But in the Sunnah, there is nothing that confirms these events occurred specifically on the day of Ashura.

Only the two events of Prophet Musa and  Imam Hussain ibn Ali which are proved in the Sunnah.  So, when we think about what is Ashura holiday, we must recognize that it is a day when Allah’s mercy and justice manifested in various moments across history.

Ashura and the Broader Message of Justice in Islam

Ashura is more than just a historical event; it is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right. The story of Prophet Musa’s rescue from Pharaoh shows us that truth will always win, even if it takes a long time.

This victory is not because of our own efforts, but because of Allah’s great power. Ashura teaches us to always support justice, even when it seems impossible.

Here are some of the most important lessons we learn from the events of the day of Ashura: 

Thinking about Allah’s victory:  The day of Ashura is a reminder of how Allah saved Musa (peace be upon him) and his people from Pharaoh and his army. This shows us that Allah helps those who believe and defeats their enemies. 

Learning from the lives of the prophets: On Ashura, we remember the stories of the prophets and the challenges they faced.  They showed patience and stayed firm in the truth, which teaches us to be patient and trust in Allah. 

Putting trust in Allah: Ashura reminds us to rely on Allah in everything we do and to turn to Him when we face difficulties.  Only Allah can give us true success and support. 

The value of fasting:  Fasting on Ashura can remove the sins of a whole year, showing how important this day is in the eyes of Allah. 

Getting closer to Allah by doing good things:  Ashura is a time to come nearer to Allah by doing worship like prayer, fasting, giving to others, remembering Allah, and asking for forgiveness. 

Being together and helping each other: Ashura is a day to remember how important it is for Muslims to be united and support each other in doing right and being good. Rephrase

Standing against unfairness and bad actions: The day of Ashura reminds us to stand up against unfair treatment and dishonesty, and to follow the way of truth and fairness. 

Remembering the family of the Prophet:  On Ashura, we recall the honorable family of the Prophet (Ahl al-Bayt) and take strength from their bravery and the teachings they left for us.

Ashura and the Concept of Divine Trials in Islamic Theology

Another thing to think about when wondering what is Ashura holiday, is how it shows divine tests. In Islam, we know that trials are a way for Allah to clean our hearts and make us better. The story of Prophet Musa and the event of Karbala are two big examples of this. 

Prophet Musa and his people went through a lot of suffering and harsh treatment from Pharaoh and his group. As Allah said:

” وَإِذْ نَجَّيْنَـٰكُم مِّنْ ءَالِ فِرْعَوْنَ يَسُومُونَكُمْ سُوٓءَ ٱلْعَذَابِ يُذَبِّحُونَ أَبْنَآءَكُمْ وَيَسْتَحْيُونَ نِسَآءَكُمْ ۚ وَفِى ذَٰلِكُم بَلَآءٌۭ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ عَظِيمٌۭ ٤٩

˹Remember˺ how We delivered you from the people of Pharaoh, who afflicted you with dreadful torment, slaughtering your sons and keeping your women. That was a severe test from your Lord.

They slaughter your sons and spare your women,’ meaning: they killed the males of your offspring and kept the females alive to weaken and humiliate you, ultimately aiming to cut off your lineage and bring about your destruction.

Then Allah’s victory came:

قال الله تعالى : فانتقمنا منهم فأغرقناهم في اليم بأنهم كذبوا بآياتنا وكانوا عنها غافلين (136) وأورثنا القوم الذين كانوا يستضعفون مشارق الأرض ومغاربها التي باركنا فيها وتمت كلمة ربك الحسنى على بني إسرائيل بما صبروا ودمرنا ما كان يصنع فرعون وقومه وما كانوا يعرشون (137) – الأعراف

So We inflicted punishment upon them, drowning them in the sea for denying Our signs and being heedless of them.And ˹so˺ We made the oppressed people successors of the eastern and western lands, which We had showered with blessings. ˹In this way˺ the noble Word of your Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel for what they had endured. And We destroyed what Pharaoh and his people constructed and what they established.

In a similar way, Imam Hussain and his followers also faced extreme difficulties. Their calmness and belief in what Allah knows best show the Islamic idea of ibtila’, or divine testing. 

So, what is Ashura if not a serious day that makes us think about how we deal with our own tough situations with patience and strong faith?

How Muslims Celebrate and Fast on Ashura

So, in simple terms, what is Ashura holiday like for Muslims around the world today? The most common way people celebrate is by fasting. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said,

“This is a day on which Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy, so Musa fasted on this day. ” He also said, “I am closer to Musa than they are,” and he fasted on the day of Ashura as well. 

Also the prophet Muhammad recommended fasting on the 9th of Muharram, called Tasu’a, along with the 10th, to show their unique practice and follow the Prophet’s guidance. 

Besides fasting, Muslims often spend time reading the Qur’an, making prayers, giving charity, and thinking about the stories of the prophets and the lessons from the event of Karbala.  That’s why when someone asks, “What is Ashura holiday? ” the answer naturally includes these acts of worship

The Tenth of Muharram in Hadith Literature: Authentic Narrations

The question of what is Ashura holiday also finds profound answers in the authentic hadith collections. The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the virtues of this day multiple times.

For example:

• Narrated by Ibn Abbas: “The Prophet came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He said, ‘What is this?’ They said, ‘This is a righteous day, it is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemies, so Musa fasted on this day.’ He said, ‘We have more right to Musa than you,’ so he fasted on that day and commanded [the Muslims] to fast on that day.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
• He also promised expiation: “Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate [sins] thereby for the year that came before it.” (Muslim)
• Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) ordered (the Muslims) to fast on the day of ‘Ashura’, and when fasting in the month of Ramadan was prescribed, it became optional for one to fast on that day (‘Ashura’) or not.
• It was narrated from ‘Ubaidullah that: he heard Ibn ‘Abbas, when he was asked about the fast of ‘Ashura’ say: “I do not know that the Prophet fasted any day because of its virtue, except this day” meaning the month of Ramadan and the day of Ashura.

Ulum Al-Azhar Academy’s Ashura Teaching Resources

Ulum Al-Azhar Academy presents great sources for  teaching the significance of Islamic dates. If you are still wondering what is Ashura holiday, their detailed resources—covering Qur’anic stories, authentic hadith, lessons from Holy months, and practical guidance on how to observe the day—are invaluable for both adults and children.

Just choose the course that is suitable for you from the List! learning journey  will be with a complimentary consultation session led by Al-Azhar-certified Sheikhs from Egypt.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if someone really wants to know what is Ashura holiday, as Muslims we happily explain that it is a special day that celebrates important victories from God, remembers great sacrifices, and reminds us to stand up for what is right and accept God’s decisions with patience. We try to honor this holy day by fasting, giving to others, praying, or thinking deeply, and we learn from it how to live our everyday lives better.

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FAQs

What is Ashura holiday in simple terms?
It is the 10th day of Muharram, a sacred Islamic day linked to historical events like the rescue of Musa and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain.

Why do Muslims fast on Ashura?
Because the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) fasted to commemorate Allah saving Musa and his people.

Is Ashura only about Karbala?
No, it predates Karbala. But the events of Karbala added deep emotional and moral dimensions for Muslims.