Ashura around the world in 2024

When is Ashura?

The Day of Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar. It marks the Remembrance of Muharram but not the Islamic month.

Traditions of Ashura

A'ashura was an ancient Judaic feast day of celebration and atonement. It is traditionally the day when the prophet Musa (Moses) freed the Israelites from Egyptian slavery and a day associated with Jesus’ ascension to heaven. It is believed that God saved the prophet Nuh (Noah) and his companions from the genesis flood on this day.

It is better known these days for mourning the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at the Battle of Karbala in the year 61 AH (AD 680).

Sunni Muslims believe that Moses fasted on this day to demonstrate his gratitude to God for the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. According to Sunni traditions, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) fasted on this day and encouraged others to fast.

While the word ashura means 'tenth' in Arabic and literally translated, means "the tenth day"; Islamic scholars differ on the reason for the naming.

The Oldest Dessert In The World

Asure or Noah’s pudding is a dessert of Turkish origin composed of cereals and dried fruits. It is a tradition served on the day of Ashura.

The Turkish legends say that this dish was made by prophet Noah himself when the ark landed on the mountains of Ararat in the Armenian highlands on the 10th day of Muharram. As the ark was stuck in the Biblical flood for days, the food supplies were getting scarce. To prevent people from starving, Noah made a mixed porridge with all the leftover ingredients in the ark and fed his people.

As mentioned, many people fast during the day of Ashura, so it makes sense to have such a flavorful and nutritious packed dish to break the fast.

Asure is prepared in large pots and distributed amongst neighbours. According to Islamic scholars, 40 houses in each direction is comprises of a neighbuorhood. 

Commemoration of Ashura is not a celebration but a respectful and mournful occasion for both Shi'a and Sunni Muslims - and for Shi'as, it is a particularly intense period of grief and mourning.

Mourners, of both sexes, traditionally congregate at a Mosque for sorrowful, poetic lamentations performed in memory of the martyrdom, grieving to the tune of beating drums and chants of "Ya Hussain." Also, scholars will give sermons on the themes of Hussein's personality and position in Islam, and the history of his uprising.

In Arab countries such as Lebanon and Iraq, the sheikh of the mosque will retell the story of the Battle of Karbala so that the audience is reminded of the anguish and sorrow that was endured by Hussain and his family. In some regions, passion plays may also be performed that reenact the battle.