The Day of Ashura falls on the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. The word "Ashura" (عاشوراء) comes from the Arabic word for "ten." It is one of the most sacred days in Islam, commemorating the day Allah (SWT) saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea.
Day of Ashura 2026 | Ashura Fasting, Donate Water
What is the Day of Ashura?
The Day of Ashura falls on the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. It is one of the most sacred days in Islam, carrying deep historical, spiritual, and humanitarian significance for Muslims around the world.
The word Ashura (عاشوراء) is derived from the Arabic word for "ten" (Ashr), marking the tenth day of Muharram. According to authentic hadith, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ observed and encouraged fasting on this day after learning that it was the day Allah (SWT) saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea.
"This is a great day on which Allah saved Musa and his people and drowned Pharaoh and his people." — Sahih al-Bukhari 2004
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Donation, Give Sadaqah on Ashura
Double Your Reward, Donate This Ashura
The Day of Ashura is one of the most virtuous times to give in the way of Allah. Scholars across all schools of thought agree that charity given during Muharram carries immense reward.
"The best fasting after Ramadan is the month of Allah, Muharram." — Sahih Muslim 1163
This Ashura, your donation through Alkhidmat Foundation can change lives. Every rupee you give goes directly towards our on-ground relief and development projects reaching the poorest communities across Pakistan and beyond.
Your Sadaqah can:
- Provide clean drinking water to a village
- Feed a family for a month
- Sponsor a child's education
- Fund emergency medical care
The Importance of Ashura in Islam
The Day of Ashura holds a unique and elevated place among the sacred days of the Islamic year. Its significance is rooted in Quranic history, authentic hadith, and centuries of Islamic scholarship.
A Day of Divine Victory
The most well-known significance of Ashura is that it commemorates the day Allah (SWT) granted a miraculous victory to Prophet Musa (AS) and his people over the tyranny of Pharaoh. This event is a universal symbol of faith, patience, and the ultimate triumph of justice a reminder that truth always prevails over oppression.
A Day Honoured Before Islam
Historical narrations confirm that the people of Quraysh in pre-Islamic Arabia also fasted on Ashura, a tradition they inherited from Ibrahim (AS). When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ arrived in Madinah and discovered this, he said: "We have more right to Musa than you" and he fasted and commanded his companions to fast.
Sunnah, Virtues & How to Fast
Fasting on the Day of Ashura is a highly recommended Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and one of the most virtuous voluntary fasts in the Islamic year.
"Fasting on the Day of Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it." — Sahih Muslim 1162
Intention (Niyyah)
Like all voluntary fasts, the intention for the Ashura fast should be made the night before or before Fajr:
"I intend to fast tomorrow, the 10th of Muharram, as a voluntary fast for the sake of Allah."
Tips for a Spiritually Rewarding Ashura
- Make du'a abundantly: this is a day of answered prayers
- Recite: Quran and dhikr
- Give Sadaqah: especially towards water, food, or education
- Be generous to your family and guests
- Offer Nafl (voluntary) prayers
Days of Ashura (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the Day of Ashura?
Which days should I fast for Ashura?
Islamic scholars recommend fasting on two days to follow the complete Sunnah and distinguish from other religious practices. The most recommended option is the 9th and 10th of Muharram. Fasting the 10th and 11th is also acceptable according to some scholars. Fasting only on the 10th alone still carries full reward and is the minimum Sunnah.
Is Ashura observed differently by Sunni and Shia Muslims?
Yes. For Sunni Muslims, Ashura is primarily a day of fasting and gratitude, commemorating Allah's salvation of Prophet Musa (AS). For Shia Muslims, Ashura also holds deep significance as the day of the martyrdom of Sayyiduna Husayn ibn Ali (RA), the grandson of the Prophet ﷺ, at the Battle of Karbala in 61 AH. This day is observed with mourning, remembrance, and reflection.
What is the intention (niyyah) for the Ashura fast?
Like all voluntary fasts, the intention for the Ashura fast should be made the night before or before Fajr on the day of fasting. A simple niyyah is:
"I intend to fast today / tomorrow, the 10th of Muharram, as a voluntary fast for the sake of Allah."
A verbal declaration is not obligatory a sincere internal intention is sufficient.
How can I give charity on the Day of Ashura?
Ashura is one of the most virtuous times to give sadaqah. Scholars across all schools of thought agree that charity during Muharram carries immense reward. This Ashura, Alkhidmat Foundation's Ashura Clean Water Campaign 2026 channels donations directly to install hand pumps and water filtration plants for drought-affected and flood-hit communities across Pakistan. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"The best form of sadaqah is giving water." - (Ibn Majah 3684)
Donate at alkhidmat.org to give clean water and earn multiplied reward this Muharram.
Why is fasting recommended in Ashura?
Fasting on Ashura is a highly recommended Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. When he arrived in Madinah and found the Jewish community fasting on this day to mark Allah's salvation of Prophet Musa, he said: "We have more right to Musa than you" and he fasted and commanded his companions to fast. The reward is immense:
"Fasting on the Day of Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it." Sahih Muslim 1162
Why the sins are forgiven by fasting on Ashura?
According to Sahih Muslim, fasting on Ashura expiates minor sins of the entire preceding year. This is one of the most extraordinary spiritual gifts of this blessed day. It is important to note that scholars clarify this applies to minor sins, and that major sins require sincere repentance (tawbah) regardless.
What is the significance of Muharram in Islam?
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar and one of the four sacred months in Islam. It holds special spiritual weight, and voluntary fasting during Muharram is highly encouraged.
"The best fasting after Ramadan is the month of Allah, Muharram." - (Sahih Muslim 1163)
What acts of worship are encouraged on Ashura?
Beyond fasting, Muslims are encouraged to make du'a abundantly (Ashura is a day of answered prayers), recite extra Quran and dhikr, give Sadaqah especially towards water, food, or education be generous to family and guests, and offer nafl (voluntary) prayers. Islamic tradition notes: "Whoever is generous in spending on his family on the Day of Ashura, Allah will be generous to him throughout the year."