Ashura Countdown 2026
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★ The Day of Ashura has passed. May Allah accept your fasting and prayers. ★
What is Ashura?
Ashura falls on the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is one of the most significant days in Islam — the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fasted on this day and encouraged Muslims to do the same. For Shia Muslims, it also commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) at Karbala in 680 CE.
Why Do Muslims Fast on Ashura?
When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on the 10th of Muharram. They told him it was the day Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and his people from Pharaoh. The Prophet said: “We are closer to Musa than you,” and fasted that day, encouraging his companions to fast too. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
When is Ashura 2026?
Ashura falls on the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the Gregorian date of Ashura shifts by about 10–11 days each year. The countdown above fetches the accurate date from the Islamic date today and keeps it updated automatically. In 2026, Ashura is expected to fall in late June or early July, depending on moon sighting.
The Significance of Muharram
Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam (along with Dhul Qa’dah, Dhul Hijjah, and Rajab). The Prophet ﷺ said: “The best of fasting after Ramadan is the Month of Allah, Muharram.” (Sahih Muslim). The first ten days of Muharram carry particular weight, with the 10th — Ashura — being the most blessed of all.
How to Observe Ashura
The primary Sunnah act of Ashura is fasting. Scholars recommend fasting on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram (or the 10th and 11th) to distinguish the Muslim fast from that of the Jews and Christians. The Prophet ﷺ said: “If I live to see next year, I will certainly fast on the 9th.” (Sahih Muslim). Beyond fasting, Muslims are encouraged to increase voluntary worship, recite Quran, give charity, and spend time in duʿa and dhikr on this blessed day.
Ashura and the Islamic New Year
Ashura comes just ten days after the Islamic New Year (1st Muharram). Many Muslims use the opening of Muharram as a period of reflection and goal-setting, building toward the focused worship of Ashura on the 10th. Together, the first ten days of Muharram form one of the most rewarding periods of the Islamic year for voluntary worship.
Frequently Asked Questions