Ashura

Ashura History

Ashura Starts in Canada is an initiative that promotes the remembrance and commemoration of Ashura, a significant event in Islamic history. As a part of Islamic beliefs, Ashura marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Muhammad, and other believers in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. It is observed on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. Ashura is a day of mourning and reflection, and Muslims around the world participate in various rituals and practices to commemorate the event.

Ashura Starts in Canada was launched in 2010 to promote this tradition among the Muslim community in Canada. The initiative aims to create awareness about the significance of Ashura and to provide a platform for Muslims to come together to observe this significant event. Through various events and activities, such as lectures, sermons, and processions, Ashura Starts in Canada seeks to commemorate the tragedy of Karbala and remind Muslims of the values of sacrifice, solidarity, and resilience.

In addition to mourning, Ashura also serves as a symbol of resistance against oppression and tyranny. Ashura Starts in Canada also focuses on promoting social justice and human rights, in line with the principles of Is lam. This day serves to promote Islamic values of remembrance, community, and social justice through the commemoration of Ashura. Ashura begins on July 28th. Date shown reflects the main observance day. This observance, like most Muslim observances, begins at sunset on the evening before.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Ashura in Canada

• The 2026 observance of Ashura centers on the themes of resilience, justice, and the courage to stand for truth, serving as a moral compass for communities navigating global hardship and division.
• This year, the spirit of the day invites individuals to rise above differences and unite around shared values of compassion, integrity, and support for the oppressed.
• For Shia Muslims, the occasion is a deeply solemn period of mourning and remembrance, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.
• For Sunni Muslims, the day is observed through voluntary fasting and gratitude, commemorating the deliverance of Prophet Musa (AS) and the Israelites from the tyranny of Pharaoh.
• Canada hosts some of the largest Ashura commemorative processions in North America, particularly in cities like Toronto, where mourners gather to perform traditional observances such as matam (chest-beating) and noha (poetry) recitations.
• The term 'Ashura' is derived from the Arabic word ashara, meaning 'ten,' reflecting its placement on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
• Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam, a time when many believers increase acts of worship, charity, and introspection to start the new Islamic year with positive intentions.
• Charitable giving is a significant component of the day; many traditions emphasize that acts of generosity on Ashura carry rewards comparable to an entire year of charity.
• While fasting is a highly recommended and virtuous act in many Islamic traditions, in the Shia school of thought, fasting on this specific day is considered makrooh (disliked) to maintain the focus on the gravity and sorrow of the historical tragedy at Karbala.
• * The observance serves as an enduring bridge between different Abrahamic traditions, as the story of the parting of the Red Sea and the deliverance of Prophet Musa (AS) is a narrative shared and respected across multiple faiths.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Ashura

Top things to do in Canada for Ashura

• To commemorate the martyrdom of Husayn Ibn Ali Husayn, Shi'a Muslims often re-enact plays of the epic battle of Karbala.
• Many Shi'a Muslims go on a pilgrimage to Karbala (Iraq) where they pay homage to Muhammad's family on the day of Ashura.
• In cities with significant Shia Muslim populations, such as Toronto and Vancouver, mourning processions take place on the day of Ashur. This is where people march through the streets commemorating the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
• Some Islamic centers in Canada organize Iftar (breaking fast) meals at the conclusion of Ashura for community members to come together and share in a meal, especially in Shia-majority communities.