What is Ashura?
Ashura is a profoundly significant day in the Islamic calendar, observed on the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, symbolizing a period of spiritual renewal and enlightenment for Muslims worldwide.
Both Shia and Sunni Muslims highly respect Ashura, although they observe it differently due to their unique historical and cultural perspectives.
Shia Muslims honour Ashura as a day to remember the sacrifice of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, during the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. For Sunni Muslims, Ashura is a day honoured by fasting, gratitude, and soul-searching, following the traditions and teachings of Prophet Muhammad that highlight its immense significance.
In 2024, Ashura will begin on the evening of Tuesday, July 16, 2024, and will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
History and significance
The story of Ashura is deeply rooted to early Islamic history and following developments within the Muslim community. The events at Karbala, where Imam Hussain and his followers were martyred, are remembered as a key moment that highly influenced Shia identity and beliefs. This tragic event is remembered through mourning rituals, reciting poems, and performances that honour Imam Hussain's bravery and sacrifice.
The day of Ashura holds significance beyond its historical roots. It symbolizes universal values such as justice, compassion, and resilience against injustice. This day serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims of all backgrounds, and indeed for people of other communities worldwide, to embrace these principles in their daily lives as individuals.
Rituals and traditions
The rituals and practices of Ashura differ between Shia and Sunni communities, each demonstrating their unique interpretations and perspectives.
For Shia Muslims, the day of Ashura is an esteemed occasion for mourning and reflection. The remembrance begins on the first day of Muharram and intensifies on the tenth day with mourning gatherings. These gatherings, known as majalis, involve recalling the events of Karbala through recitations. Participants exclusively wear black clothing as a symbol of mourning and to express grief over the tragedy. These rituals symbolize and serve as a reminder of sacrifice, honour, grief, and resistance against injustice, aiming to inspire followers towards moral and spiritual growth.
In the Sunni community, the tradition involves fasting as a day of gratitude and spiritual reflection. Many Sunni Muslims follow Prophet Muhammad's example of fasting on Ashura, although fasting practices may differ based on regional and cultural variations. Sunni Muslims also participate in charitable acts and special prayers, demonstrating the deep significance of gratitude and appreciation within their faith.
And so, Ashura serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims, regardless of their community, to follow essential principles of justice, compassion, and resistance against injustice. Whether through mourning ceremonies, fasting, or charitable acts, Muslims deeply remember and honour the significance of Ashura, reflecting on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and the values demonstrated by Imam Hussain.