Ashura is expected to fall on Tuesday, 6 July 2025, depending on the moon sighting. It marks the 10th day of Muharram, the sacred first month of the Islamic calendar.

What is Ashura?

Ashura is one of the greatest days in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the day that Allah ﷻ saved Prophet Musa (AS) and Bani Isra’il from Pharaoh, a moment of divine victory, courage, and faith.

When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he noticed that the Jews were fasting on this day. Upon asking why, they responded that it was the day Allah saved Musa (AS). The Prophet ﷺ replied:

“We have more right, and we have a closer connection with Moses than you have.”
[Sahih Bukhari]

He fasted that day and encouraged the Ummah to fast as well.

The Reward of Fasting on Ashura

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Fasting the day of ‘Ashura I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.
[Muslim, 1162]

Just one day. A whole year of sins forgiven.

According to Ibn Abbas (RA), the Prophet ﷺ was so eager to fast this day that he said:

“I did not see the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, as eager to fast a day and preferring it over others except for this day of Ashura and this month of Ramadan.”
[Bukhari, 1902]

Should We Fast Only on the 10th?

No. The Prophet ﷺ advised us to fast the 9th and 10th together to distinguish ourselves from the People of the Book.

Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abbaas (ra) said: When the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora and told the people to fast, they said:

“O Messenger of Allaah, this is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.”

The Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said, “Next year, if Allaah wills, we will fast on the ninth day.”

But by the time the following year came, the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) had passed away.
[Bukhari, 1902]

It’s also a time to increase in sadaqah, dhikr, Qur’an, and gratitude, any act of worship that brings you closer to Allah ﷻ.