Ashura

Ashura marks the day that the grandson of the prophet Muhammad was martyred and for Shiite Muslims it also marks the day that Moses and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh by the parting of the seas.

Who celebrates?

It is a day of remembrance for all Muslims but is celebrated differently by different Islamic faiths. It is a particularly strong religious celebration for Shia Muslims.

How do people celebrate?

• Shia Muslims mourn and focus on the messages that can be derived from the Martyrdom of Hussain. They wear black and parade through the streets chanting
• Sunni Muslims fast during this period
• For all Muslims, good deeds and visiting the shrine of Hussain in Karbala, Iraq are encouraged during Ashura.

What should I know?

• Ashura is held on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar
• The Sunni fast typically falls around Yom Kippur, observed on the tenth of Tishrei on the Jewish calendar. For Jews, this is a similarly sombre fast day
• 15% of all Muslims worldwide are Shias.

How can I support others?

• Be aware of cultural differences between different Muslim faiths and that not all Muslims follow the same religious path and traditions
• Ask people if they or their families will be celebrating
• Do not assume if someone’s family is Muslim that they will be celebrating
• Talk to your team about the religious representation among your volunteer, employee and service user population and if it’s representative of your area.

BBC: What is Ashura: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-16047713

The difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0Prs99ANvY

Audioversity: What is Ashura?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAbAChFu6z8