Ashura

Ashura History

Ashura is a significant religious observance for the Muslim community, particularly amongst the Shia Muslims, as it commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. Iman Hussein was the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed during the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. The day is marked by a series of rituals, which include mourning processions, self-flagellation, and passionate recitals of the tragic events that led to Imam Hussein's demise. For Sunni Muslims, Ashura also holds importance as it marks the day when Prophet Moses and his followers were saved from the Pharaoh by Allah, leading to the Pharaoh's drowning.

The observance of Ashura is not limited to Muslim-majority countries and extends to nations with considerable Muslim populations, such as the United Kingdom. Its history can be traced back to the early Muslim settlers who arrived in the UK centuries ago. In recent times, Ashura has gained increasing significance in the UK, as the Muslim population, including both Shia and Sunni communities, has grown considerably. The day serves as an opportunity for the British Muslim community to reflect on the values of social justice, perseverance, and piety exemplified by Imam Hussein and remember the significance of the day from the Islamic historical perspective.

In the United Kingdom, Ashura is observed through remembrance gatherings, where sermons are held to recount the events of Karbala and highlight its significance. Prayers and fasts are also conducted as a form of tribute and reverence. Processions take place in various cities, showcasing the interfaith solidarity as non-Muslims also take part in the commemoration. It is worth mentioning that Ashura falls on the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, so its date varies each year in the Gregorian calendar. 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 the UK

• The Battle of Karbala remains the central historical focus for the Shia community, representing a definitive stand against tyranny where the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hussain ibn Ali, was martyred alongside a small group of companions.
• In the United Kingdom, the Imam Hussain Blood Donation Campaign has become one of the most prominent modern observances, encouraging hundreds of Muslims to save lives through donation as a tribute to the sacrifice made at Karbala.
• Sunni Muslims traditionally observe the day as a commemoration of the moment Prophet Musa, or Moses, led the Israelites to freedom by parting the Red Sea, an event often marked by communal prayers and reflection.
• Large-scale public processions known as Juloos take place annually in major British cities, with the Marble Arch Ashura Procession in London serving as a significant gathering for thousands of mourners.
• Many observers participate in the recitation of the Ziyarat Ashura, a specific salutatory prayer that honours the martyrs and reflects on the spiritual lessons of courage and integrity.
• The day is widely associated with a voluntary fast, which many believe serves to expiate the minor sins of the preceding year, following a tradition attributed to the Prophet Muhammad upon his arrival in Medina.
• During commemorative gatherings called Majlis, participants often listen to rhythmic elegies known as Noha that recount the tragic events of the seventh-century desert battle.
• A striking feature of some UK processions is the presence of Zuljenah, a symbolic riderless horse adorned with white cloth and red markings to represent the mount of Hussain ibn Ali returning empty from the battlefield.
• The concept of Sadaqah, or voluntary charity, is heavily emphasised during this period, with UK-based international relief agencies often launching major appeals to provide water and food to those in need globally.
• In various communities, the mourning rituals include Matam, a rhythmic chest-beating ceremony that serves as a physical expression of grief and a connection to the historical suffering of the Prophet’s family.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Ashura

Top things to do in the UK 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.
• Many mosques and Islamic centers in the UK provide free meals or distribute food to the poor and needy during the month of Muharram in remembrance of Imam Husayn's sacrifice.
• Participating in processions, also known as juloos, is a popular way to commemorate Ashura. People walk together, reciting mourning poetry and chants in remembrance of Imam Hussein and his followers. Notable processions take place in London, Birmingham, and Manchester.