Ashura: The Meaning of 10 Muharram in Islam

Ashura: The Meaning of 10 Muharram

The Origin of Ashura Fasting

When the Prophet (PBUH) arrived in Medina, he found Jews fasting on 10 Muharram. They said it was the day God saved Moses and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. The Prophet said: "We have more right to Moses than you" and fasted, commanding fasting (Bukhari 2004).

Virtue of Ashura Fasting

The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope God will expiate the sins of the previous year" (Muslim 1162). Fasting the 9th or 11th as well is recommended.

Ashura in Shia Tradition: Karbala (680 CE)

For Shia Muslims, Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali (the Prophet's grandson) and 72 companions at the Battle of Karbala (61 AH/680 CE) against Caliph Yazid's forces.

The Battle of Karbala

Husayn and his followers were surrounded in the Karbala desert, deprived of water for three days, and massacred on 10 Muharram. This event is the most important in the Shia calendar, symbolizing the eternal struggle between justice and oppression.

Shia Practices on Ashura

• Mourning processions (dakhil)
• Theatrical performances (ta'ziyah)
• Reading of the martyrdom account (maqtal)
• Fasting NOT recommended (day of mourning)
• Visit to Husayn's shrine in Karbala, Iraq

Mutual Respect

Ashura exemplifies how one date can have very different meanings within Islam. For Sunnis it is a day of joy and fasting; for Shias, of deep mourning. Both perspectives deserve respect and understanding.