UK Prayer Times

10 Muharram · Islamic Calendar

Day of Ashura

The 10th of Muharram — a blessed day commemorating Allah's salvation of Musa (AS), observed with fasting by Muslims worldwide.

Quick Answer

Ashura 1448 (10 Muharram) fell on 25 June 2026; Ashura 1449 is expected ~15 June 2027, subject to moon sighting.

Dates from the events table — subject to moon sighting

Ashura 1448 fell on 25 June 2026

Ashura 1449 is expected ~15 June 2027 (10 Muharram 1449 AH)

Dates approximate (Umm al-Qura); UK observance subject to moon sighting.

What Is Ashura?

Ashura — from the Arabic word for "ten" — falls on the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months (al-Ashhur al-Hurum). It is a day of deep historical significance that predates Islam.

When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he found the Jewish community fasting on this day. When he asked why, they said it was because on this day Allah saved Musa (Moses, AS) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh, drowning Pharaoh's army in the Red Sea, and Musa (AS) fasted in gratitude. The Prophet ﷺ responded: "We are more deserving of Musa than you." He then fasted and instructed the Muslims to fast on this day.

"This is a great day on which Allah saved Musa (AS) and drowned Pharaoh's people. Musa fasted on it out of gratitude to Allah, so we fast on it too."
Sahih al-Bukhari 2004 · Sahih Muslim 1130

Fasting on Ashura

Fasting on Ashura is a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah mu'akkadah). The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Fasting on the day of Ashura — I hope that Allah will accept it as an expiation for the year that came before it."
Sahih Muslim 1162

The fast of Ashura expiates the minor sins of the previous year. It is one of the most virtuous voluntary fasts — second only to fasting on the Day of Arafah in its reward for expiation.

Also fast on the 9th or 11th of Muharram

The Prophet ﷺ intended to also fast on the 9th of Muharram (Tasu'a) to distinguish the Muslim Ashura fast from the Jewish one — but he passed away before the following year. Scholars recommend fasting either the 9th and 10th, or the 10th and 11th together. Fasting only the 10th is permissible but less ideal.

Muharram — The Sacred Month

Ashura falls within Muharram — the first month of the Islamic year and one of the four inviolable months in Islam (alongside Rajab, Dhul Qa'dah, and Dhul Hijjah). The Prophet ﷺ called Muharram "the month of Allah":

"The best of fasts after Ramadan is fasting in the month of Allah — Muharram. And the best of prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer."
Sahih Muslim 1163

Increasing voluntary fasts throughout Muharram — not just on the 10th — is encouraged and highly rewarding.

Ashura — FAQ

What is the difference between Sunni and Shia observance of Ashura?
For Sunni Muslims, Ashura commemorates the salvation of Musa (AS) from Pharaoh, and is observed primarily through fasting. For Shia Muslims, Ashura is also the anniversary of the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali (RA), the grandson of the Prophet ﷺ, at the Battle of Karbala in 61 AH — and is marked with mourning processions, lamentation, and sometimes self-flagellation, though many Shia scholars discourage the latter.
Is it obligatory to fast on Ashura?
No — fasting on Ashura is a voluntary Sunnah, not obligatory. The obligatory fast is only Ramadan. Missing Ashura fasting does not require making up or expiation.
Can I fast only on the 10th of Muharram?
Yes — fasting only on the 10th (Ashura) is valid and rewarding. However, it is better to add the 9th (Tasu'a) or 11th of Muharram to distinguish the Muslim practice, as the Prophet ﷺ intended.
What is special about giving charity on Ashura?
While there is no specific hadith about charity on Ashura being uniquely rewarding (be cautious of weak narrations sometimes circulated), giving in charity during Muharram — as a sacred month — is encouraged generally. The famous narration about 'spending generously on one's family on Ashura' is weak according to many scholars.
Should Muslims celebrate Ashura?
Ashura is not a day of celebration — it is a day of voluntary fasting and gratitude to Allah for the salvation of Musa (AS). Making special food or holding festive events specifically for Ashura has no basis in authentic Sunnah.
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