Ashura , the tenth day of the Islamic month of Muharram, holds deep religious, historical, and cultural significance across the Muslim world. For Muslims, the day is associated with multiple momentous events, including the salvation of Prophet Moses (Musa) and the Israelites from Pharaoh, and the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala. The observance of Ashura varies considerably between Sunni and Shiite traditions, each attributing unique religious and symbolic importance to the day.
Etymology and Meaning
The term “Ashura” is derived from the Arabic root word ‘ashara’, meaning “ten,” hence referring to the tenth day of Muharram. Orientalist A. J. Wensinck suggests the term may have originated from the Hebrew word ʿāsōr, meaning the tenth, supporting the notion of shared Semitic linguistic roots. Islamic scholars, however, offer various interpretations based on Arabic etymology.
Sunni Observance of Ashura
For Sunni Muslims, Ashura is primarily observed as a day of fasting, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, who is reported to have fasted on this day and recommended others to do so. According to Hadith literature, the Prophet observed the Jews of Medina fasting on the 10th of Muharram in commemoration of Moses’ salvation. To distinguish the Islamic practice, he encouraged Muslims to fast an additional day, either the 9th or 11th of Muharram, making it a Sunnah fast.