What is the Day of Ashura?

Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. Muharram is one of the four sacred months. The Prophet ﷺ fasted on this day and encouraged Muslims to do so, noting it expiates the sins of the previous year.

Should Muslims fast only the 10th or also the 9th of Muharram?

The complete Sunnah is to fast both the 9th (Tasu'a) and 10th of Muharram. The Prophet ﷺ said he would fast the ninth as well to differ from the Jewish community in Madinah. If that is not possible, fasting the 10th alone is still strongly recommended.

Is fasting Ashura obligatory?

No — fasting Ashura is Sunnah, not fard. It is among the most emphasised voluntary fasts after Ramadan, alongside the six days of Shawwal and the Day of Arafah.

🌿 Muharram

Day of Ashura

Quick Answer

Ashura is the 10th of Muharram. The Sunnah is to fast Tasu’a (9th) and Ashura (10th); the 10th alone is still recommended and expiates the previous year’s sins (Sahih Muslim). Skip this page for a city’s Maghrib clock or for Ramadan fard fasting.

Desk-reviewed 2026-08-13.

When is the next Ashura on this calendar?

Today is 25 September 2026 — 14 Rabi' al-Thani 1448 AH.

9 Muharram (Tasu'a): Monday, 14 June 2027 · 9 Muharram 1449 AH
10 Muharram (Ashura): Tuesday, 15 June 2027 · 10 Muharram 1449 AH

Actual dates may shift by 1–2 days depending on local moon sighting. Confirm with your mosque or national moon-sighting authority.

How should you observe Ashura?

Fast the 9th and 10th of Muharram

The preferred Sunnah is Tasu'a (9th) plus Ashura (10th). If you cannot do both, fast the 10th alone.

Make intention (niyyah) the night before

Intend to fast for Allah before Fajr, as with any voluntary fast.

Avoid what breaks the fast

No food, drink, or marital relations from Fajr until Maghrib — same rules as Ramadan.

Increase dhikr and charity

Many communities give extra sadaqah on Ashura. Reflect on the lessons of Musa (AS) and the saved believers.

Why does Ashura matter in the Sunnah?

When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he found the Jewish community fasting on the 10th of Muharram commemorating the day Allah saved Musa (AS) and his people from Pharaoh. He said Muslims have more right to Musa and fasted it himself, telling those who wished to differ to add the 9th. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

"Fasting the day of Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year." — reported in Sahih Muslim

Muharram is also one of the four sacred months (along with Rajab, Dhu al-Qa'dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah). Wrongdoing in a sacred month is more serious; good deeds carry extra reward.

Ashura FAQ

Can I fast only the 10th without the 9th?

Yes — fasting the 10th alone is valid and recommended. The 9th is added to fully follow the Sunnah of differing from other communities.

What if I already fasted the 10th but missed the 9th?

You still receive the reward of fasting Ashura. Try to fast both next year if you are able.

Does Ashura replace missed Ramadan fasts?

No — qada of Ramadan is separate. Ashura is an additional voluntary fast with its own reward.

Are there special prayers on Ashura?

There is no special congregational prayer like Eid. Focus on fasting, dhikr, Quran, and optional nafl prayers as on any blessed day.

Related Islamic Guides

📅

Islamic Calendar

Key Hijri dates for the year ahead.

🌙

Islamic Months

Muharram and the sacred months explained.

🤲

Ramadan Guide

Fasting rules, suhoor, iftar, and Tarawih.

❓

Fasting Q&A

More answers on voluntary and obligatory fasts.

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