Day of Ashura 2026 Countdown

The Day of Ashura (10 Muharram) in 2026 is expected on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. The exact date depends on the official moon sighting and may shift by 1 to 2 days.

Ashura (Arabic: عاشوراء, meaning 'the tenth') is the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. It holds deep significance for all Muslims. In Sunni tradition, it marks the day Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites from Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea. In Shia tradition, it commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (grandson of Prophet Muhammad) at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE (61 AH).

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: 'Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the previous year.' (Sahih Muslim). Unlike Arafah (which covers two years), Ashura fasting is linked to the expiation of the previous year's minor sins. It is one of the most rewarded voluntary fasts after Ramadan.

The Prophet (PBUH) said: 'If I live until next year, I will fast on the 9th (along with the 10th).' (Sahih Muslim). Most scholars recommend fasting the 9th and 10th of Muharram together (called Tasu'a and Ashura). Some also recommend adding the 11th. Fasting only the 10th is permissible but less preferred.

Ashura is the 10th of Muharram. Tasu'a (the day before) is the 9th of Muharram. Muslims are encouraged to fast both the 9th and 10th together, to differentiate from other religious traditions. Some scholars also recommend fasting the 10th and 11th as an alternative combination.

On the 10th of Muharram, 61 AH (680 CE), Imam Hussain ibn Ali (the grandson of Prophet Muhammad) and 72 of his family members and companions were killed at the Battle of Karbala (modern-day Iraq) by the army of Yazid ibn Muawiyah. This event is central to Shia Islam and is commemorated annually with mourning ceremonies, processions, and remembrance gatherings worldwide.

Sunni Muslims observe Ashura primarily through voluntary fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. They view it as a day of gratitude to Allah for saving Prophet Musa from Pharaoh. Many also increase their prayers, Quran recitation, and charity on this day. There are no mourning rituals in the Sunni tradition.

Shia Muslims observe Ashura as a day of mourning and remembrance for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at Karbala. Observances include attending Majlis (mourning gatherings), reciting elegies and poetry about Hussain, participating in processions, wearing black clothing, and some communities perform chest-beating (latmiyya). Many avoid celebrations and joyful activities during the first 10 days of Muharram.

Before Islam, Ashura was already recognized in the Arabian Peninsula. When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) arrived in Medina, he found the Jews fasting on the 10th of Muharram, commemorating the day Allah saved Musa from Pharaoh. The Prophet said: 'We have more right to Musa than you,' and he fasted and encouraged his companions to fast as well. He later planned to fast the 9th also, to distinguish from Jewish practice.

Use the live countdown timer at the top of this page for the exact number of days, hours, minutes, and seconds until Ashura on June 25, 2026. The counter updates in real time every second.

Yes, Muharram is one of the four sacred months (Ashur al-Hurum) in Islam, along with Rajab, Dhul Qi'dah, and Dhul Hijjah. The Prophet (PBUH) said: 'The best fasting after Ramadan is in the month of Muharram' (Sahih Muslim). Fighting and aggression are prohibited in these months according to the Quran.

While there is no single specific dua exclusively for Ashura in the authentic Sunni hadith collections, scholars recommend abundant istighfar (seeking forgiveness), the general morning and evening adhkar, recitation of Quran (especially Surah Al-Ikhlas), and making personal dua for forgiveness and guidance. In Shia tradition, specific Ashura duas (Dua Ashura / Ziyarat Ashura) are recited.

The benefits of fasting on Ashura include: 1) Expiation of the previous year's minor sins. 2) Following the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). 3) Expressing gratitude to Allah. 4) Earning reward during the sacred month of Muharram. 5) Building spiritual discipline outside of Ramadan. The Prophet (PBUH) considered it the best fast after Ramadan.

Yes, Ashura is an official public holiday in many countries including Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Pakistan, India, Bahrain, Afghanistan, and several other nations. In Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and some Southeast Asian countries, it is also recognized. Schools, businesses, and government offices may be closed.

Yes. The dates shown are calculated astronomically but may shift by 1 to 2 days based on official local moon-sighting committees. Since Ashura falls on 10 Muharram, its date depends on when 1 Muharram (Islamic New Year) is officially declared in each country.