Ashura is a global Muslim sacred day observed on the ninth and tenth days of Muharram, in accordance with the Islamic calendar. The date of Ashura this year is July 27. Shia Muslims view it as the culmination of the Remembrance of Muharram and the battle of Karbala, where Husayn ibn Ali (the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad) was martyred.
For Sunnis, Ashura is the day on which Moses fasted in gratitude for the liberation of the Israelites. Additionally, today is a sacred day of mourning primarily observed by Shia Muslims. Other Muslim sects spend the day in meditation and fasting.
The background of Ashura
Ashura commemorates the tragic ‘Battle of Karbala’ in which revolutionary leader Husayn ibn Ali was slain in the 7th century. Across the globe, millions of Muslims observe the day of Ashura to commemorate Husayn’s sacrifice and commitment to social justice.
Following the demise of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 A.D., the events depicted in the story occurred 13 centuries ago. The leader and caliph of the Muslim community were up for election, which sparked a dispute. Abu Bakr, a close companion of the Prophet, was supported by the majority of Muslims to inherit the leadership and become the first caliph. Others supported Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet, as the legitimate successor. Those who supported this claim contributed to the establishment of the Shia Muslim sect. Whether or not he was chosen as caliph, Shia Muslims regard Ali as their first imam, a divinely appointed leader. Ali’s sons and descendants would hold the title. Shias began to regard their Imam as the true leader, regardless of the caliph’s title.
The dispute between the imam and the caliph intensified when Ali’s second son Husayn became the third imam. The Umayyad dynasty ruled the Islamic kingdom from 661 to 750 A.D. In the sacred month of Muharram in 680 A.D., one of the caliphs named Yazd demanded that Husayn swear allegiance to him and his caliphate. Husayn denied the order because, in his estimation, Yazd was an illegitimate and unjust ruler.
His refusal resulted in a ten-day battle between Husayn’s small tribe and Yazd’s immense army in the desert of Karbala (modern-day Iraq). His sisters, half-brother, spouses, children, and closest companions comprised his tribe.
At Karbala, Umayyad soldiers surrounded and stopped Husayn and his adherents. Husayn and his troops prayed their final prayers at dawn on the day of Ashura, anticipating their fate. Even though they knew they were going to perish that day, the men remained loyal to Husayn and his cause. The Karbala combat began at noon. Knowing that their sacrifice would spark the revolution, Husayn’s soldiers fought valiantly against Yazd’s army. One by one, the companions were eliminated. Only Husayn remained by himself.
The Umayyad army cut off Husayn and his companions’ access to food and water. Despite being severely wounded and dehydrated, Husayn did not give up. As evening approached, the army of Yazd brutally murdered Husayn by attacking him from all angles.
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HOW TO OBSERVE ASHURA
Mourn in silence.
On this day, Shia Muslims observe a day of lament and make pilgrimages to the shrine in Karbala, Iraq. Husayn’s funeral observances include paying respect and lamenting his departure. Parties, music, and nuptials are prohibited during this period of sadness.
Fast
Ashura is a time of fasting for Sunni Muslims to express gratitude for the victory God granted Moses. It commemorates the day on which Allah parted the Red Sea to save Moses and his followers.
Be tolerant
In Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, Hosay (Ashura) has a distinctive personality that exemplifies religious tolerance and mutual respect. The celebration, which is attended by Muslims and individuals of other faiths, has assimilated influences from numerous other religions, including Roman Catholicism, Hinduism, and traditional Baptist practises.
5 THINGS TO LEARN ABOUT ASHURA, ONE OF THE HOLY DAYS OF ISLAM
It is the intersection of Judaism and Islam.
Ashura is the Islamic equivalent to Yom Kippur for Sunnis, commemorating the day God divided the Red Sea to save his people.
It’s one of the holiest days in Islam
Ashura occurs in September, one of Islam’s four holy months.
The date varies based on the calendar.
The date of Ashura (the tenth day of Muharram) remains the same on the Islamic calendar but varies annually on the Gregorian calendar.
It is a day of forgiveness and renewal.
Some believe that an Ashura fast cleanses the transgressions of the previous year.
Self-flagellation continues to be prevalent.
In remembrance of Husayn’s sacrifice, many Muslims (primarily Shia men) in certain regions of the world engage in self-flagellation.
ASHURA DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2022 | August 8 | Monday |
2023 | July 27 | Thursday |
2024 | July 16 | Tuesday |
2025 | July 5 | Saturday |
2026 | June 25 | Thursday |