Ashura: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Ashura (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Ashura is observed on July 27th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Ashura, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you should know about Ashura.

📅 What day is Ashura 2024?

In 2024, Ashura is on Thursday, July 27th. It is the 4th Thursday in July; in 2024, it is Saturday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all the cool details and facts about July 27, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Ashura is a significant religious observance observed by Muslims around the world on the 9th and 10th of Muharram in the Islamic calendar. This year, Ashura will start on July 27. Among Shia Muslims, it holds special importance as it marks the pinnacle of Muharram and commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, who was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, during the Battle of Karbala.

📜 Ashura History

The events in the story took place 13 centuries ago, after the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 A.D. There was a disagreement among the Muslim community about who should be chosen as their leader and caliph. Most Muslims supported Abu Bakr, a close friend of the Prophet, while others believed that Ali, the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law, should be the legitimate heir. This led to the formation of the Shia Muslim sect, who viewed Ali as their first imam, regardless of whether he became the caliph or not. From then on, Shias followed their imam as their true leader, rather than the caliph.

The conflict between the imam and the caliph intensified when Husayn, Ali’s second son, was named the third imam. During the rule of the Umayyad dynasty from 661 to 750 A.D., Husayn was commanded by the caliph Yazd to swear allegiance to him. However, Husayn refused, considering Yazd to be an unjust and illegitimate ruler.

Husayn and his small group of supporters engaged in a 10-day-long battle with the Umayyad army in the desert of Karbala, present-day Iraq. His family members, including his sisters, half-brother, spouses, children, and closest friends, fought alongside him.

In Karbala, Husayn and his followers were surrounded and cut off by the Umayyad forces. Despite knowing their impending doom, they offered their final prayers on the day of Ashura. They remained loyal to Husayn and his cause, even though they knew they would not survive. The Battle of Karbala began at midday, where Husayn’s troops bravely fought against Yazd’s army, hoping that their sacrifice would inspire a revolution. One by one, Husayn’s companions were killed, until only Husayn himself remained standing.

The Umayyad troops deprived Husayn and his comrades of food and water. Despite being thirsty and severely wounded, Husayn persisted. As night fell, the army of Yazd launched a ruthless attack from all directions, ultimately killing Husayn.

✅ Ashura Facts

🔖 It’s one of Islam’s high holy days
Ashura, which takes place in September, is considered one of the most significant months in Islam’s religious calendar.

🔖 The date changes according to the calendar
Ashura, which falls on the 10th of Muharram, is marked consistently on the Islamic calendar, while the Gregorian calendar varies the date every year.

🔖 It’s where Judaism and Islam intersect
Ashura is observed in Islam by Sunni Muslims as a significant day, similar in importance to Yom Kippur in Judaism. It commemorates the event when God parted the Red Sea to rescue his people.

👍 Why Is Ashura Important

Islam is practiced by one-quarter of the world’s population. On the holy day of Ashura, Muslims consider all the ways they can improve and strengthen their faith in order to earn more blessings.

The sacred activities of Muharram bring Husayn’s moral precepts to life. People fast or mourn to remember Husayn’s sacrifice and how his blood at the Battle of Karbala revived humanity and moral values.

Islamic beliefs, like many other religions, declare that virtue always triumphs over evil. During Ashura, Muslims recall Husayn’s resistance to oppression and all that was evil.

🙂 How To Observe Ashura

⚡ Be tolerant

⚡ Mourn
On this day, Shia Muslims dress in mourning attire and may travel to the Karbala shrine in Iraq. They engage in various observances to honor and mourn the death of Husayn. It is a solemn period where festivities, music, and weddings are not allowed.

⚡ Fast
Hosay (Ashura) takes on a distinct personality in Jamaica, Trinidad, and Tobago, demonstrating religious tolerance and mutual respect. Muslims and people of other faiths attend the event, which has taken on parts of many different religions, such as Roman Catholicism, Hinduism, and traditional Baptist customs.

📅 When is Ashura?

View all 🔗 July holidays, including 🔗 Religious and other 🔗 Islamic holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Ashura. So be sure to check back soon.