Ashura means “the tenth” and refers to the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar. It is important in Islam for different reasons: many Sunni Muslims fast on it, while Shia Muslims mark it as a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussein at Karbala.

What it refers to

  • In Sunni tradition, Ashura is associated with fasting and remembrance, especially connected to the deliverance of Moses and the Israelites.
  • In Shia tradition, it is a solemn day honoring Imam Hussein’s sacrifice at Karbala.
  • The word itself comes from the Arabic root for ten.

In simple terms

Ashura is a major religious day that can mean fasting, reflection, or mourning depending on the Muslim tradition. It is one of the most significant dates in the Islamic calendar because of its spiritual and historical meaning.