When Is Ashura 2025?
Ashura falls on the 10th of Muharram. In 2025, Muharram 1447 begins on Friday, 27 June 2025, making the Day of Ashura fall on Sunday, 6 July 2025.
Ashura 2025 Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| 1 Muharram 1447 — Islamic New Year | Friday, 27 June 2025 |
| 9 Muharram — Day of Tasu'a (recommended fast) | Saturday, 5 July 2025 |
| 10 Muharram — Day of Ashura | Sunday, 6 July 2025 |
The Story of Ashura: Prophet Musa (AS) and Pharaoh
When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Medina, he observed the Jewish community fasting on the 10th of Muharram. When he asked about this practice, they said it was because Allah ﷻ saved Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh (Fir'aun) on this day. Musa (AS) fasted in gratitude.
The Prophet ﷺ responded: "We have more right to Musa than you do," and fasted on that day, commanding the believers to fast as well. He also expressed the intention to fast on the 9th of Muharram (Tasu'a) in subsequent years to distinguish the Muslim fast from the Jewish observance, though he passed away before being able to do so. (Muslim)
The Quranic account of this miraculous event is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:49-50) and Surah Ta-Ha (20:77-78).
The Virtue of Fasting on Ashura
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Fasting on the Day of Ashura — I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the year that came before it." (Muslim)
This makes Ashura one of the most virtuous voluntary fasts in the Islamic year, after Ramadan and the Day of Arafah. Unlike Arafah which expiates two years (the year before and after), Ashura expiates the previous year.
How to Fast Correctly on Ashura
The recommended way to fast Ashura is to also fast the day before (9 Muharram — Tasu'a) or the day after (11 Muharram) to distinguish the Muslim fast from those of other religions. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Fast the day before and the day after [Ashura], and differ from the Jews."
Three Options (in order of preference):
- Best: Fast the 9th AND 10th of Muharram (5–6 July 2025)
- Good: Fast the 10th AND 11th of Muharram (6–7 July 2025)
- Minimum Sunnah: Fast the 10th of Muharram only (6 July 2025)
Ashura in the Shia Tradition
In the Shia Muslim tradition, Ashura has a different significance: it commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali (the grandson of the Prophet ﷺ) at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE (61 AH). This event is marked by mourning, processions, and acts of remembrance in Shia communities worldwide.
The Sunni observance of Ashura (fasting based on the story of Musa) predates the Battle of Karbala, though the grief over Husayn's martyrdom is shared by all Muslims.
What to Do on the Day of Ashura
- Fast from Fajr to Maghrib (ideally with the 9th as well)
- Increase Dhikr and remembrance of Allah throughout the day
- Recite Surah Al-Baqarah (the account of Musa) and Surah Ta-Ha
- Give charity on this day
- Make sincere Dua for forgiveness and the expiation of sins
- Spend time learning the story of Prophet Musa (AS) with your children
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fasting on Ashura obligatory?
No — fasting on Ashura is a highly recommended Sunnah (confirmed voluntary act), not an obligation (Fardh). However, given its immense reward (expiation of an entire year's sins), it is highly encouraged for every Muslim who is able to fast.
Can women in their menstrual cycle fast on Ashura?
Women in their period cannot fast during those days. They should not worry — Allah ﷻ is All-Knowing and All-Merciful. She can increase in Dhikr, Dua, Sadaqah, and Quran listening to participate in the blessings of the day. The fast can be made up at another time, though the specific expiation is tied to the day itself.
Is Ashura a public holiday?
Ashura is a public holiday in some Muslim-majority countries, particularly those with significant Shia populations (Iran, Iraq, Bahrain). In most Sunni-majority countries it is not a public holiday, but Muslims observe it through fasting.
