صِيَامُ يَوْمِ عَاشُورَاءَ أَحْتَسِبُ عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ يُكَفِّرَ السَّنَةَ الَّتِي قَبْلَهُ
“Fasting the Day of Ashura, I hope from Allah, expiates the sins of the year before it.”
One day of fasting that can wipe clean a whole year of minor sins. That is the gift of Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, and one of the most blessed days in the Islamic year. It is a day of gratitude, worship, and giving, tied to the moment Allah saved Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) from Pharaoh. Here is everything you need to know about Ashura 2026: when it falls, why it matters, how to fast it, and how to turn the day into lasting good through charity.
In short
Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram, expected on 25 June 2026 (26 June in Pakistan). It marks the day Allah saved Prophet Musa (peace be upon him). Fasting it is a Sunnah that is hoped to wipe away the minor sins of the past year. The best practice is to fast the 9th and 10th together. It is also a beautiful day to give charity.
What is Ashura?
The word Ashura comes from the Arabic word for ten, which is why it falls on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is a day that has been honoured since the time of the Prophets, and it carries deep meaning for Muslims around the world. People mark it with fasting, charity, dua, and quiet reflection.
When is Ashura 2026?
Ashura 2026 is expected on Thursday 25 June 2026, which is the 10th of Muharram 1448. In the UK it may be observed on 25 or 26 June, while in Pakistan it falls on 26 June, because the moon was sighted a day later there. Many Muslims also fast the 9th of Muharram, expected on 24 to 25 June.
| Day | Expected date |
|---|---|
| 1 Muharram (Islamic New Year) | 16 to 17 June 2026 |
| 9 Muharram (Tasua) | 24 to 25 June 2026 |
| 10 Muharram (Ashura) | 25 to 26 June 2026 |
| 11 Muharram (optional fast) | 26 to 27 June 2026 |
Dates depend on the local moon sighting, so always check with your local mosque for the final confirmed day.
Why Ashura is important: the story of Prophet Musa
Ashura is most strongly tied to the day Allah rescued Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh, parting the sea so they could cross to safety. Out of gratitude, Musa fasted on this day. When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) came to Madinah, he found people fasting on Ashura for this same reason, and he honoured it too.
نَحْنُ أَحَقُّ بِمُوسَى مِنْكُمْ
“We have more right to Musa than you.” So the Prophet fasted it and told the Muslims to fast it.
The reward of fasting Ashura and the 9th of Muharram
The greatest virtue of this day is the reward promised for fasting it. By the mercy of Allah, the fast of Ashura is hoped to expiate the minor sins of the year that has passed, as the opening Hadith of this article makes clear. Few acts of worship offer so much for so little effort.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not want Muslims to fast only the 10th, as that was the practice of others. He intended to add the 9th as well.
لَئِنْ بَقِيتُ إِلَى قَابِلٍ لَأَصُومَنَّ التَّاسِعَ
“If I live until next year, I will certainly fast the ninth as well.”
This is why fasting the 9th and 10th together is the most loved way to keep this Sunnah.
Best ways to fast Ashura
There is more than one way to fast these days. Choose what you are able to do.
The 9th and 10th
The most recommended way, following the intention of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
The 10th and 11th
A good option if you miss the 9th, still pairing Ashura with another day.
All three days
The 9th, 10th, and 11th together, which many scholars see as the most complete practice.
If you can only manage one day, fasting the 10th alone is still valid and rewarding.
The history of Ashura
Scholars have linked several events to this day. The strongest and most authentic is the saving of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and his people. Some narrations also mention that the Ark of Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him) came to rest after the flood around this time. What is certain is that Ashura was a known day of fasting that the Prophet (peace be upon him) confirmed for the Muslims.
Many Muslims also remember Ashura as the day Imam Hussain (may Allah be pleased with him), the beloved grandson of the Prophet (peace be upon him), was martyred at Karbala. It is a day that carries gratitude, remembrance, and reflection together.
Charity on Ashura
Muharram is one of the sacred months, so it is an excellent time to give. Charity on a blessed day in a blessed month carries weight that ordinary days cannot match, and Allah sees every bit of it.
وَمَا تُنْفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ
“And whatever good you spend, indeed Allah knows it well.”
Here are simple ways to give through Al Firdous on Ashura. With our 100% donation policy, the full amount you give reaches those who need it.
Clean Water
Give a family safe water, honouring the rescue at the heart of this day.
Food Packs
Feed a hungry family and share the blessing of the day.
Help an Orphan
Care for a child who has lost everything, with steady monthly support.
Sadaqah Jariyah
Begin an ongoing charity that keeps rewarding you long after Ashura.
Ashura also falls near the start of the Islamic year, which makes it a popular time to give Zakat. If yours is due, you can work it out in minutes with our free Zakat calculator.
Good deeds to perform on Ashura
Beyond fasting, there is so much good you can pack into this one day.
- Increase your dhikr. Repeat SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, and Astaghfirullah through the day.
- Read the Quran. Give extra time to recitation and reflection.
- Make dua. Ask Allah for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings.
- Strengthen family ties. Reach out to relatives and show kindness to loved ones.
- Give charity. Even a small act of giving can bring a great reward on this day.
Frequently asked questions
When is Ashura 2026?
Ashura 2026 is expected on Thursday 25 June 2026 (10 Muharram 1448). In the UK it may be 25 or 26 June, and in Pakistan it falls on 26 June, subject to the moon sighting.
What is Ashura in Islam?
Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram. It is best known as the day Allah saved Prophet Musa (peace be upon him), and Muslims fast it following the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
What is the reward of fasting Ashura?
According to Sahih Muslim, fasting Ashura is hoped to expiate the minor sins of the previous year. It is one of the most rewarding voluntary fasts of the year.
Should I fast the 9th and 10th of Muharram?
Yes, this is the preferred practice. The Prophet (peace be upon him) intended to fast the 9th along with the 10th, so pairing the two days follows the Sunnah most closely.
Can I fast only the 10th of Muharram?
Yes, fasting only the 10th is valid. Scholars simply recommend adding another day, the 9th or the 11th, to follow the Sunnah more fully.
Is fasting on Ashura obligatory?
No. Fasting on Ashura is a highly recommended Sunnah, not an obligation.
Does fasting Ashura forgive all sins?
The Hadith refers to the expiation of minor sins. Major sins need sincere repentance to Allah.
Turn Ashura into lasting good
Honour the day Allah saved Prophet Musa by giving to a family who needs rescuing today. With our 100% donation policy, every penny reaches them.
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