Muharram 2023: Ashura 2023 Date In India, History, Observation, Significance Of Fasting On Ashura, Know Everything About Islamic Festival

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds significant importance for Muslims worldwide. Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, commemorates various events, notably the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

It is a time of mourning and reflection for Shia Muslims, who participate in processions, recite elegies, and engage in charitable acts. Sunni Muslims also observe this day with fasting, gratitude, and prayers. The occasion fosters unity and empathy, promoting values of sacrifice, justice, and solidarity within the Muslim community and beyond.

Ashura 2023 image | Photo: Freepik

The Day of Ashura is a public holiday in many Muslim-majority countries while in India the festival is a gazetted holiday, which means that government offices, schools, and businesses are closed on Ashura.

Since Islamic New Year 2023 began people around worldwide want to know when is Ashura?, what is Ashura? Is fasting compulsory on Ashura? and more about the festival. So here we listed all details about the holy festival, keep scrolling to know more:

Islamic New Year 2023 | Muharram 2023

Muharram or the first month of the Islamic calendar in India began on Thursday, 20 July 2023. The month of Muharram is observed for 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new moon.

The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, is a major day of observance for Muslims around the world. On Ashura, Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, and also a time of remembrance for Muslims around the world.

When is Ashura 2023 in India? | Ashura Date 2023 India

Ashura will be observed on Saturday, July 29, 2023, in India. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, and Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram. It is a day of mourning for Shia Muslims, who commemorate the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Sunni Muslims also observe Ashura, but they do not see it as a day of mourning. However, they observe fast, pray, and reflection on the day of Ashura as a way of showing gratitude to Allah.

In India, Ashura is a public holiday. Schools and most businesses are closed on the day of Ashura. Muslims often attend special prayers and processions on Ashura. They may also fast or give to charity.

What is Ashura? | Ashura history

Ashura is an important observance in Islamic history and is primarily associated with both Sunni and Shia Muslim communities. The term "Ashura" is derived from the Arabic word "Ashr," which means ten, signifying the 10 days of the Islamic lunar month of Muharram.

The significance of Ashura varies between Sunni and Shia traditions:

Sunni Perspective:

For Sunni Muslims, Ashura commemorates multiple significant events:

Prophet Muhammad's Observance

It is believed that the Prophet Muhammad fasted on the day of Ashura in gratitude to Allah, as he observed that the Jews of Medina also fasted on this day, as they believed it marked the day when Prophet Moses and his followers were saved from Pharaoh's tyranny by the parting of the Red Sea.

Moses' Victory

Sunni Muslims also commemorate the day when Prophet Moses and the Israelites were liberated from the oppression of the Egyptian Pharaoh. The story is mentioned in the Quran (Surah Al-Qasas, 28:4-7).

It's important to note that for Sunni Muslims, fasting on the day of Ashura is recommended but not obligatory and special prayers in mosques, signifying its sacred nature.

Shia Perspective:

For Shia Muslims, Ashura holds particular significance as a day of mourning and remembrance for the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. In 680 AD, along with his family and a few companions martyred in the Battle of Karbala against the Yazid's forces. This battle has become a symbol of resistance against tyranny and injustice within Shia Islam.

The Battle of Karbala was a deeply emotional event, with Imam Hussein's supporters, including members of his family, enduring great suffering and sacrifices. His death is seen as a symbol of standing up for truth, justice, and the principles of Islam, regardless of the odds.

On Ashura, Shia Muslims participate in various ceremonies and processions, where they express their grief and pay tribute to the memory of Imam Hussein and his companions. The rituals also emphasize the values of selflessness, bravery, and commitment to righteousness. Many use the day of Ashura as a day to perform acts of kindness and charity as a way for them to keep alive the very same principles and values Hussain gave his life for.

Days to Fast in Muharram

In the Islamic month of Muharram, fasting is not obligatory for the entire month as it is during Ramadan. However, there are specific days that hold particular significance for fasting. The most recommended fast is on the 10th day of Muharram, known as the Day of Ashura, as it carries great rewards and serves as an expiation of sins.

Additionally, it is also recommended to fast on the 9th or 11th day of Muharram to distinguish it from the Jewish tradition of fasting only on the 10th. Hence, in total, there are three days of recommended fasting in Muharram.

Fasting on Ashura

Its believed that fasting on Ashura was observed even before the rise of Islam. At the time of migration when Prophet entered Madinah he noticed that Jews were observing the fast on 'Ashura' because on this day Moses became victorious over Pharaoh.

Then Prophet told his followers to observe fast on the day because have more right to celebrate Moses' victory than they have. He also encouraged his followers by saying, "If I live until next year, I will fast the ninth day (of Muharram) too."

But Unfortunately, he did not live to see the next year, since then Muslims especially Sunnis consider the 9th and 10th day of Muharram as significant days in the Islamic calendar and observe fast on these days.

According to Sahih Hadith, one of the many blessings of Allah for a person who observes fast on the 'Day of Ashura' is that his / her sins of the past year will be forgiven.

Is fasting compulsory on Ashura?

For Sunni Muslims, fasting on the day of Ashura is recommended but not compulsory while Shias don't take part in any fasting on this day.

Here is the tentative schedule of events for Ashura in 2023 in India:

Friday, July 28, 2023 - The 9th of Muharram. Some Muslims may observe fast on this day.

Saturday, July 29, 2023 - The 10th of Muharram, also known as Ashura. This is the main day of mourning for Shia Muslims. There will be special prayers and processions in mosques and other public places.

Sunday, July 30, 2023 - The 11th of Muharram. This day is a day of reflection and mourning for Shia Muslims. There may be fewer public events on this day. In a less authentic narration, it is also recommendable to fast on the 11th day for the same reason.

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