What Is Ashura? Significance Of 10th Muharram And Battle Of Karbala

Last Updated:June 25, 2026, 08:00 IST

Muharram 2026: Ashura is observed on the 10th day of Muharram. It holds deep significance in Islam linked to Karbala and fasting traditions followed across the Muslim world.

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. It is one of the four sacred months in Islam and holds deep religious importance for Muslims across the world. The month is associated with reflection, prayer, mourning and remembrance of key historical events that shaped Islamic history.

Muharram 2026 is being observed in India on June 26, following the sighting of the lunar crescent, which confirmed the beginning of the Islamic New Year and the start of Muharram in the country.

The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, is considered the most significant day of this month.

What Is Ashura?

Ashura refers to the 10th day of Muharram. The word “Ashura” comes from the Arabic word “asharah,” meaning “ten,” indicating its position in the Islamic month.

It is one of the most important days in Islam, observed for both historical and spiritual reasons. Across Muslim communities worldwide, Ashura is marked with prayers, fasting, mourning and remembrance, though the nature of observance differs between sects and regions.

Ashura is not only a religious observance but also a day that carries deep emotional and historical significance, reminding believers of sacrifice, faith and resistance against injustice.

Religious Significance of Ashura

Ashura is significant for several key events in Islamic tradition. One of the most widely referenced events is the belief that Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites were freed from Pharaoh’s tyranny on this day.

In gratitude, Prophet Musa is believed to have fasted on this day, and fasting on Ashura continues to be observed by many Muslims today.

Another major significance of Ashura is the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. This event is one of the most defining moments in Islamic history and is especially central to Shia Islam.

Because of these two distinct historical associations, Ashura holds both a commemorative and reflective meaning across the Muslim world.

Ashura and the Battle of Karbala

The Battle of Karbala is the most emotionally significant event associated with Ashura, particularly for Shia Muslims.

Imam Hussain, along with his family members and companions, was martyred in Karbala (present-day Iraq) after refusing to pledge allegiance to the ruling authority of the time. His stand is remembered as a powerful symbol of justice, truth and resistance against oppression.

His sacrifice is considered not just a historical event but a moral lesson emphasizing courage, integrity and standing firm against injustice, even in the face of extreme hardship.

How Shia Muslims Observe Ashura

For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a day of mourning and grief. The day is marked by deep emotional remembrance of Imam Hussain’s sacrifice.

Common observances include:

Mourning processions in streets and religious spaces
Recitation of marsiya (elegies) and sermons (majlis)
Symbolic displays of grief and remembrance
Community gatherings reflecting on the events of Karbala

The atmosphere is solemn, and the focus remains on remembering sacrifice, injustice and spiritual resilience.

How Sunni Muslims Observe Ashura

For many Sunni Muslims, Ashura is observed differently, with emphasis on fasting and gratitude.

It is believed that Prophet Muhammad encouraged fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram as an expression of gratitude for the liberation of Prophet Musa from Pharaoh.

Practices commonly include:

Fasting on the 9th and 10th (or 10th and 11th) of Muharram
Offering prayers and reflection
Engaging in charitable acts and good deeds

This observance highlights gratitude, devotion and spiritual discipline.

Significance of the 10th Muharram

The 10th of Muharram, Ashura, represents a combination of spiritual, moral and historical meanings:

A reminder of sacrifice and resilience
A symbol of truth standing against oppression
A day of mourning and reflection
A moment of spiritual renewal and discipline
A time to remember key events in Islamic history

Its importance transcends geography and sect, making it one of the most widely observed days in the Islamic calendar.

Ashura, observed on the 10th day of Muharram, is a deeply significant day in Islam that blends history, faith and spirituality. With Muharram 2026 being observed in India on June 26 following moon sighting, Muslims across the country and the world mark this period with prayers, fasting, mourning and reflection.

The day continues to serve as a reminder of sacrifice, justice and moral courage, values that remain central to its observance even today.

About the Author

Nibandh VinodAssociate Editor

Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with nearly three decades of experience. He specialises in covering events and festivals and in driving SEO-focused content for News18.com. Tech-savvy and collab…Read More

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