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Muharram

Muharram is observed by the Muslim community across the world in commemoration of the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Imam Hussain along with his family and followers, who were killed in the Battle of Karbala in AD 680. The Prophet's son-in-law Ali, and Ali's elder son Hassan, are also remembered during this period as having suffered and died for righteous causes. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar which marks the beginning of the new Islamic year. It is also one of the four months wherein fighting is strictly prohibited as the word Muharram has been derived from ‘haram’ which means “forbidden”.

The first ten days of the month are observed as a period of mourning. After the death of the Prophet Mohammed, the Quran was considered as the final word. The Prophet had named no successor. One fraction of his followers believed that succession should remain within Mohammed's family, while another disagreed. After a long dispute, Abu Bakr, a loyal follower of Mohammed, was elected as his successor. His reign was peaceful, as was that of his successors. However, during the reign of Ali, Prophet's son-in-law, there was opposition from the masses. Ali was assassinated and his elder son Hassan was poisoned. His younger son Hussain, his family and his troops, were tortured and killed, with Hussain's head being severed and presented to the king.

The assassination of Hussain took place on the tenth day of the month of Muharram; hence, the event is called Ashura. It is observed as a day for public expression of grief. These circumstances resulted in the division of the community into two cults - the Shias and the Sunnis. The Shias consider Ali, Hassan and Hussain as the rightful successors of Prophet Mohammed and mourn their death during Muharram. At the appearance of the moon, people clad in black assemble and recite plaintive verses over sweetened cold drink, in memory of Imam Hussain. They observe the entire month as a period of mass mourning. There is no celebration or expression of joy of any kind. Women are expected to forsake all adornments. Public enactments of grief, depicting scenes from the Battle of Karbala, are carried out in Shia mosques on the first ten days. This is done to express the brutalities that Hussain underwent during the battle of Karbala. The Sunnis, on the other hand, celebrate the occasion on a quieter note and indulge in calm and silent offerings.

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Significance of Ashura

Muslims begin their new lunar Hijri calendar with the month of Muharram. It is the first month in the Islamic calendar that starts with the sighting of the new moon. This holy month is one of the four sacred months in which it is considered to be unlawful to fight. After Ramadan, Muharram is the most significant month in the Islamic calendar. On the 10th day of Muharram, that is, Ashura, Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Husain was brutally massacred along with his family and followers. The day is observed with great sorrow and grief. The Shia Muslims regard the day as the mourning period. Read through the following lines to know more about the significance of Ashurah for both Sunni and Shia Muslims.

Historical Importance Of Ashurah

For Shia Muslims
For Shia Muslims, the day of Ashura is very important as they consider Imam Husain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, the rightful successor of Muhammad. They believe the battle of Karbala took place between the good and the evil, with Imam Husain representing good and Yazid representing evil. Shia Muslims do not take the day as a day of joy and festivity. Instead, they commemorate it as a day of mourning. They refrain from music and avoid planning out any weddings or parties on this date. By doing so, they try to commit one to mourning of Imam Husain completely. By crying and listening to poems and sermons about the tragedy on the assassination of Husain and his family, Shia Muslims try to connect themselves with Husain’s suffering and martyrdom.

Many Shia Muslims make pilgrimages on the day of Ashura to the Mashhad al-Husayn, the shrine at Karbala in Iraq. This shrine is traditionally known to bear the tomb of Imam Husain. Different events associated with Ashura are held in special assemble halls that are known as Imambaragah or Hussainia. To experience the suffering of Husain and his family, people slash their bodies with knives and other sharp tools attached to chains, allowing blood to run freely. Some people also indulge in matam, i.e., beating of the chests to show solidarity with Imam Husain and his family. A popular Shia saying goes as this,

‘A single tear shed for Husain washes away a hundred sins.’

For Sunni Muslims
As per records in Sahih al-Bukhari, Ashura is a commemorative day wherein many Meccans used to observe the customary fast. Even during Hijrah when Prophet Muhammad was leading his followers to Medina, he observed Jews fasting on this day. He inquired one of them about the significance of fasting on Ashura. The reason given was that on this day, God saved the Israelites from their enemy, Egyptians. Hence, to mark this freedom, Moses observed the fast.

Prophet Muhammad too started fasting and recommended his followers and other Muslims to fast on two of three consecutive days, including the 10th of Muharram. The fast during Ashura is only recommended and not made obligatory, since Sunni Muslims consider the Ramadan fast to be more significant. Sunnis residing in Egypt prepare a pudding called Ashura (made from wheat, nuts, raisins and rose water) and consume it after dinner on the day of Ashura. The same pudding is known as Asure in Turkish.

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Significance of Muharram

The holy month of Muharram is observed by all Muslims across the globe. The month is the first of the twelve months in the Islamic calendar, thereby marking the Islamic New Year. It is one of the four sanctified months wherein unlawful acts are strictly prohibited, especially the shedding of blood. Even the literal meaning of Muharram is ‘haram’, which means forbidden. The first ten days of the month are mourned by the Muslims to commemorate the brutal assassination of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Husain, his family and supporters. Thus, Muharram has great religious significance behind its observance. Go through the following lines to know more about the historical importance of Muharram.

Historical Importance Of Muharram
The Islamic New Year is ushered in with the sighting of the new moon. Muharram is counted as the first month of the Islamic calendar. This month is considered as one of the four sacred months as mentioned by Allah in the Holy Quran, the other three sanctified months being Zil Qa’dah, Zil Hijjah and Rajab. It was on this first day of Muharram that Allah created the heavens and the earth. Among all the four months considered sacred, Muharram is the most significant one blessed with certain specific virtues.

Since four of the months are regarded sacred in the Islamic calendar, the rewards for the good deeds performed in these months are far greater than in other months. To add on, sins committed in these months are far more heinous than engaging in sins in other months. A person committing murder during any of these months would be required to pay more than the prescribed amount of blood money.

As stated by Prophet Muhammad, observing fasts during Allah’s month of Muharram are the best of the fasts besides the month of Ramadan. The best of the salaat (prayers), beside the fardh (compulsory) salaat is the tahajjud salaat (performed after midnight and before dawn). In another sacred book, it is also mentioned that a person fasting during Muharram would receive a reward of 30 fasts for each fast observed. A person observing fast on the 10th day of Muharram is believed to receive a reward of 10,000 martyrs and the reward of 10,000 people performing Hajj and Umrah.

On this 10th day of Muharram, Hazrat Imam Husain Ali, grandson of Prophet Muhammad, along with his family and followers, was killed in the battle of Karbala. Hence, Muharram is a sacred festival to remember the death of Imam Husain. They sacrificed for the cause of truth and justice. Therefore, people fast on both 9th and 10th days of Muharram as recommended by Prophet Muhammad. Speeches are delivered about the battle of Karbala and people are advised to learn from these lessons of courage, patience and perseverance.

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The Day of Ashura

The Islamic New Year, or lunar Hijri calendar, begins with the sighting of the new moon which counts as the first day of the month of Muharram. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. This holy festival is celebrated by both the sects of the Muslim religion, Sunnis and Shias. This month of one of the four most sanctified months of the Islamic calendar. It was on this day that Allah created heaven and earth. The month is also considered more significant as on the 10th day of Muharram, that is, Ashurah, Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hazrat Imam Husain Ali was brutally massacred along with his family and other followers. Hence, the 10th day turns to be of more religious significance. The day of Ashura is highly mourned by the Shia Muslims. Read on to know how the day of Ashurah is celebrated across the world.

How Is Ashurah Celebrated
The day of Ashura falls on the 10th day of the month of Muharram. The word ‘ashura’ literally means ten. The day is observed for different reasons and in different ways by the Sunnis and Shias. The Sunni Muslims observe the day as a quiet affair. During the reign of Prophet Muhammad, He observed the local Jews observing a day of fast at this day of Muharram which the Jews considered to be their Day of Atonement. On asking, the reason given for the fast was that Moses started observing the fast as away to express gratitude to God for liberating the Israelites from Egypt. Hence, the Prophet himself started fasting and recommended the other Muslims also to do so. However, in order to distinguish from the Jews, he suggested fasting on two days, the 9th and the 10th of Muharram.

Sunni Muslims observe these fasts although they are not compulsory. However, a person fasting on the day of Ashurah is believed to be rewarded with 10,000 martyrs and the reward of 10,000 people performing Hajj and Umrah. There are other activities that Sunni Muslims carry out on Ashura. A person should place his hand on the head of an orphan. He should perform Nafl Salaat prayers and also recite Surah Ikhlas 1000 times. He should give out as mush charity as he can afford. One should take a bath, cut nails and apply surma in his and others’ eyes. Meeting an ill person on the day of Ashura is considered as visiting the siblings of Hazrat Adam. One should also serve water to others. Serving water for one time is counted as not disobeying Allah for even a blink of an eye.

While for Shia Muslims, the day of Ashura has become a national holiday in countries, such as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Lebanon and Bahrain. People in these countries commemorate this day as a grieving and mourning occasion. People assemble at mosques where sorrowful and poetic recitations, such as marsiya, noha, latmiya and soaz are performed to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Husain. People chant ‘Ya Husain’ while grieving to the tunes of the beating drums. The battle of Karbala is retold that enables the mourners to relive the pain and sorrowed endured by Husain and his family.

In places like Iraq and Lebanon, people read Maqtal Al-Husayn narrating the story of the battle. While is countries like Iran and the Arab states of the Persian Gulf, passion plays are performed enacting the battle and the suffering and martyrdom of Husain at the hands of Yazid. People take out large processions of taziya or taziyeh, miniature mausoleums of Imam Husain and his family. The taziyeh are made of wood, bamboo, tin foil, mica and glass. They beat their chests, known as matam, to display their devotion to Husain and remember his suffering. Male participants incorporate in wounding themselves with small knives and sharp tools attached to the chains into the matam. The taziyeh are carried through the streets and buried at the local Karbala at the end of the day.

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What is Muharram

Muharram has great religious significance in the Muslim community. It is the first month in the lunar Islamic calendar. Muharram is one of the four sanctified months in the calendar, the other three being Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah and Rajab. Since the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, the date of Muharram keeps on changing from year to year. The occasion is commemorated by both the Muslim communities, Sunnis and Shias. Some Muslims even observe fasts during these days. The holy month is associated with a number of auspicious events in Islamic history. Read through the following lines to know more about the meaning of Muharram.

Meaning Of Muharram
Muharram has been derived from the word ‘haram’, which means ‘forbidden’. Hence, it is considered unlawful to fight during this month. During the month of Muharram, Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hazrat Imam Husain was brutally killed in the battle of Karbala, along with his family and friends, in the year 680 CE/ 61 AH. The first 10 days of Muharram are regarded as sad and grieving, especially by the Shia Muslims who hold mourning ceremonies recalling the righteous virtues for which the martyrs stood. The commemoration of the brutal massacre begins on the 1st day of Muharram and ends on the 10th day of Muharram when the battle ended.

On this blessed day, it is believed that Allah created the heavens and the earth. It is even said that Allah gave His finite blessings and bounties to many of His Prophets and freed them from the clutches of their enemies. Hazrat Adam was also created in the month of Muharram and also pardoned for his mistake in this month only. Even Hazrat Noah’s Ark landed successfully on Mount Judi during this month centuries ago. Hazrat Ibrahim was saved from fire and Hazrat Musa was rescued from the Pharaoh during this holy month of Muharram.

The 10th day of Muharram is considered to be the most significant as on this day, the battle at Karbala between Yazid and Hazrat Imam Husain Ali ended. Imam Husain and his supporters were brutally massacred and decapitated. The Sunni Muslims consider the 10th day as a festival, while the Shia Muslims mourn throughout the entire month and take out processions and wound themselves with knives and small sharp objects to display the pain the Imam Husain and his team went through on the 10th day.

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Ashura Date

Muharram is one of the holiest occasions in the Islamic calendar. Muharram is the first month of the lunar Hijri calendar, which marks the start of the Islamic New Year. It was during this month that Imam Husain Ali, grandson of Prophet Muhammad, was brutally assassinated together with his family and supporters thousands years back at the Battle of Karbala. The month of Muharram is also one of the four most sanctified months among the twelve months of the Islamic calendar. The other three holy months are Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah and Rajab. The Battle of Karbala took place on the 10th day of Muharram, that is, Ashura. Muslims across the world observe this day with great religious significance. However, the date of Ashura does not remain the same every year. Read on further to know the date of Ashura in the year 2012.

When Is Ashura
Ashura falls on the 10th day of the holy month of Muharram. However, the date does not remain the same as per the Gregorian calendar. While the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar. Hence, the dates of the Islamic calendar shift back approximately 11 days every year. The date of Ashura is only decided after the moon of Muharram is sighted. Moreover, the Ashura date can also vary from country to country, depending upon whether the moon has been sighted in that particular country or not. The month of Muharram is likely to begin on the 15th November in the year 2012. Therefore, the date of Ashura is expected to fall on the 24th November, 2012.

In the Muslim calendar, the next day starts on the sunset of the previous day. Thus, the date of Ashura will begin from the sunset of the 24th November. Ashura has become a national holiday in Shia countries, such as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Lebanon and Bahrain. They commemorate Ashura as the day of mourning for the martyrdom of Husain Ali and his followers. On this day, Muslims take our large processions through the streets carrying taziyeh (replicas of the mausoleum of Husain Ali and others made from bamboo and paper) decorated with gilt and mica.

To express grief, mourners beat their chests chanting ‘Ya Husain’. Some even flagellate or whip themselves with small knives or sharp tools attached to chains drawing out blood to feel the pain that Husain Ali and others had been through. The taziyehs, at the end of the day, are taken to the local burial ground, known as Karbala and buried. On the other hand, Sunni Muslims mark the day on a much silent note. They offer prayers and fast on the day of Ashura. They make delectable delicacies which are distributed among friends, relatives and the deprived.

Date of Ashura: 24th November, 2012

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Battle of Karbala

Muharram marks the Islamic New Year and the first month in the Islamic calendar. It is one of the holiest months and is observed by entire Muslim community across the globe. The month commemorates the brutal massacre of Imam Husain Ali, grandson of Prophet Muhammad on the 10th day of Muharram. The death is mourned and grieved by the Shia Muslims worldwide. Sunni Muslims observe the day on a quiet note. The assassination took place at the Battle of Karbala, which resulted in the death of Imam Husain and his followers. The Battle of Karbala took place in the year 61 AH/ 680 CE on the 10th day of Muharram. Read on further to know the major events of the Battle of Karbala.

Karbala Battle
The Shia Muslims considered Imam Husain as their spiritual leader since he was a direct descendent of Prophet Muhammad (grandson of the Prophet). Hence, Shias felt that Imam Husain should lead the community as Caliph (political and spiritual leader) as per the tradition. However, the present ruling Caliph, Mu’awiyah, son of one of the Prophet’s enemies refused to agree Imam Husain as the next Caliph. On the death of Mu’awiyah, the Caliphate passed on to his son, Yazid who demanded Hassan (Husain’s elder brother) and Husain to pay homage (Bay’at) to him and accept him as their rightful leader.

To Yazid’s surprise, Imam Husain refused to swear allegiance to Yazid and decided to travel to Kufa in Iraq to lead his supporters there against the Caliphate. On this side, Yazid ordered his army to stop Husain from reaching Kufa. Both the forces met at Karbala where Husain, together with his entire family and followers, were surrounded Yazid’s large troops. On being countered in such a situation, Husain still refused to swear allegiance and as a result, 72 armed men, 18 family members and 54 supporters were trapped in the harsh desert without water or any other supplies.

In an attempt to avoid bloodshed, Husain appealed to Yazid’s generals for the next eight days to spare them. However, at the dawn of the 10th day, Ashura, Yazid’s troops finally started firing arrows at the camp and the Battle of Karbala began. Unable to resist the onslaught, all the men fell one after the other, including Husain and his brother. The women and children were spared unveiled and barefooted, left to weep and cry for their slain relatives. Husain’s body was decapitated, and his body mutilated and trampled by horses only to turn his chest and back to ground. Husain’s severed head was sent to Yazid on Ashura afternoon, while the heads of other comrades were sent to Kufa.

After the army left Karbala, local people came and buried the deceased bodies there. On the 11th day of Muharram, the captive women and children were loaded onto camels without saddles and moved to Kufa. People gathered at Kufa to see the captives. Some women in Kufa even brought veils for the captive women after knowing that they are relatives of Prophet Muhammad. The tombs of Hassan and Husain have been converted into shrines at Karbala, which are visited by several Shia Muslims across the world every year.

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History of Muharram

Muslims across the world observe Muharram as the first month of the Islamic calendar, marking it as the New Year. Muharram is also commemorated to remember the brutal assassination of Hazrat Imam Husain Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and his supporters at the battle of Karbala. The month of Muharram is observed as a period of mourning by all the Muslims, especially those belonging to the Shia community. Husain was given the title of Imam which means spiritual leader of Islam. When Husain refused to swear allegiance to Yazid, the second Umayyad Caliph, he and his army were brutally massacred while traveling from Medina to Kufa. Read on further to know all about the history and background of Muharram.

Muharram History
An era of warring tribes prevailed in the pre-Islamic period in the Arabian Peninsula. Since there was no single major leadership, conflicts and battles occurred on small issues. However, fighting was strictly prohibited in four of the twelve months of the Islamic calendar. These months were Dhul-Qa’adah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. The word Muharram was derived from the word ‘haram’, which meant ‘forbidden’. This tradition was maintained from the time of advent of Islam and was religiously followed thereafter. Nonetheless, provisions were made to accept war in special situations, such as a threat to sovereignty of an empire. The battle of Karbala was fought against this law and tradition of Islam.

Traditional rivalry existed between the inhabitants residing on the banks of River Euphrates and Tigris. However, their animosity was to some extent reduced by Prophet Muhammad. When His son-in-law, Hazrat Ali became the Caliph, the enmity re-surfaced all over again. Hazrat Ali had two sons, Hazrat Imam Husain and Hazrat Imam Hassan. While Imam Husain ruled a part of the empire, known as Iran today, the other part was ruled by the Umayyads, the present Iraq. Hence, Imam Husain was called upon by the Shias of Kufa, a small town in the kingdom of Umayyad. He was called to accept their allegiance and hand over his place to Yazid, the ruler of Kufa.

Yazid then instructed his governor, Ibn-e-Ziad to take action against him. The message for the same was passed on by the Shias to Imam Husain, who along with his family and supporters started heading towards Kufa. However, on their way in Karbala, they were surrounded by the army of Yazid. They were maliciously tortured and killed. Husain’s head was severed and presented to Yazid. They did not receive any help from the Shias of Kufa who promised to do so while sending the message to Imam Husain. The battle took place on the 10th day of Muharram. The Shias consider this day as a sorrowful and grieving occasion. For them, the martyrdom of Imam Husain is a religious occasion.

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Muharram Celebration

Muharram marks the Islamic New Year for both Muslim communities, Sunnis and Shias. It is the first month in the lunar Islamic calendar and is one of the four most sacred months of the calendar where fighting is prohibited. The first ten days of the month mark the deadly battle of Karbala, where Hazrat Imam Husain, along with his family and supporters, was brutally massacred and beheaded by Yazid’s army. These ten days hold great historical significance for Muslims across the world. While the Shia Muslims commemorate this occasion by mourning, Sunni Muslims observe it on a more peaceful note. Browse through the following lines to know the rituals of Muharram and how it is celebrated by both the Muslim communities worldwide.

How Is Muharram Celebrated
The Shia Muslims consider Muharram to be the period of mourning and remembering martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Husain. They start mourning from the 1st night of Muharram and continue for the next 2 months and 8 days. Nonetheless, the first ten days of Muharram have more significance. Shia Muslims put on black dresses on the first day of Muharram and attend majlis (assemblies) where the orators narrate incidents of the battle of Karbala, Hazrat Imam Husain and his people. The black color is regarded as the color of mourning. They even keep themselves away from music and joyous events, such as weddings, that are likely to distract them from the sorrowful remembrance of the event.

On the 10th day, Shia Muslims take out large processions through the streets carrying banners and colorfully decorated taziyahs (bamboo and paper replicas of the martyrs) embellished with gilt and mica. They even carry colorful replicas of the mausoleum of Hazrat Imam Husain at Karbala. Shia Muslims walk barefoot on the roads, while the drums are beaten in the background. They chant and weep loudly as an act of mourning for Husain, his family and his followers. To express their grief on the death of Hazrat Imam Husain, they beat their chest with hands, known as matam. Others flagellate their bodies with chains or whips, consisting of small knives and sharp objects, thereby drawing out blood. Wrestlers and dancers even enact scenes that depict the battle of Karbala.

While Shia Muslims consider Muharram as a sorrowful occasion, Sunni Muslims observe the occasion as a festival even though the main aspect behind the festival remains intact. They observe fasts and commemorate the occasion as a low affair. As stated by Prophet Muhammad, the best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram. Though these fasts are not obligatory as those of Ramadan, one who fasts during Muharram out of his own will be awarded by Allah. These fasts are considered to be the most rewardable ones among the Nafl or voluntary fasts. The fasts can be observed for the first ten days of Muharram or on the 9th and 10th day of Muharram or on the 10th and 11th day of Muharram. The choice of fasting totally depends on an individual.

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Muharram Date

Muharram is one of the most auspicious occasions in the Islamic history and calendar. Firstly, the occasion commemorates the brutal assassination of Hazrat Imam Husain Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and his entire family at the battle of Karbala. Secondly, Muharram is also observed as the first month in the Islamic calendar. Hence, Muslims begin their lunar Hijrah calendar with the first day of Muharram. Muharram is one of the four months that are considered to be highly holy, the other three months being Dhul-Qa’adah, Dhul-Hijjah and Rajab. Muharram is held as the most sacred and religious festivals for Muslims across the world. The date of Muharram does not remain constant in the Gregorian calendar and changes every year. Go through the lines below and know the date of Muharram in 2012.

When Is Muharram
The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar as against the Gregorian calendar which is a solar calendar. A month in the Islamic calendar begins on sighting the first crescent of the new moon. Hence, the Islamic lunar calendar is 11 or 12 days shorter than the solar year and all the Islamic dates vary from year to year. Like all months, Muharram too migrates throughout the solar years. The month of Muharram or Al-Hijra in 2012 is expected to begin on the 15th November and continue for 29 days till the 13th December. Muslims begin observing the next day on the sunset of the previous day. Therefore, the first day of Muharram will commence on the sunset of 6th of December.

Both Sunni and Shia Muslims observe this occasion in different manners. Shia Muslims dress themselves in black, the color of mourning, and attend the majlis (assemblies), where Shia orators read out and enact the incident of martyrdom of Imam Husain and his team in detail. The main event takes place on the 10th day of Muharram. Shias carry out large processions through the streets holding banners and models of mausoleum of Imam Husain and others. This is done to show the grief and sorrow that Imam Husain and his team has undergone. They even beat their bodies with small sharp metal knives tied to a chain.

Sunni Muslims, too, commemorate Muharram, but in a less demonstrative manner than the Shia Muslims. They observe the occasion as a festival and mark the 10th day of Muharram as the most significant one. Fasts are observed on the 9th and 10th of Muharram or on the 10th and 11th of Muharram. Mouth-watering and delectable delicacies are prepared in almost every household. The delicacies are consumed by the family and distributed to friends and relatives as well. A good quantity of food is given to the deprived as well.

Muharram Begins: 15th November, 2012
Muharram Ends: 13th December, 2012

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Muharram Fasting

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, hence, marking the Islamic New Year. It is an occasion of mourning that commemorates the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hazrat Imam Husain, along with his family and followers. It is one of the most sacred months of the year, where fighting is strictly prohibited. The other three months are Dhul-Qa’adah, Dhul-Hijjah and Rajab. This occasion has utmost religious importance in the Islamic history and is observed by both the sects of the Muslims, Sunnis and Shias. People fast during this month to honor the massacred Imam Husain and his people in the battle of Karbala. Read on to know more about fasting in Muharram.

Fasting In Muharram
Fasting during the month of Muharram is of great merits in Islam, especially on the 10th day. Prophet Muhammad stated though fasting on the day of Ashura (10th day of Muharram) is of great merits, one should pray to Allah to accept the fast as an expiation for the sins committed in the previous year. Fasting on the 9th day of Muharram is also highly recommended to be Sunnah. Moreover, it is better to fast on two days, that is, the 9th and 10th of Muharram so as to distinguish Muslims from the Jewish community.

When Prophet Muhammad came to Medina, he noticed the Jews in Medina to be fasting on Ashura to remember Prophet Musa. Prophet Musa and the tribes of Israel were saved from their enemies on this day and hence, Musa started fasting on this day. Prophet Muhammad admired this tradition and started fasting on this day. He even recommended his companions and other people to observe the fast on this day of Ashura. However, people informed Prophet Muhammad that the day is a day that is honored by Jews and Christians.

Hence, Prophet Muhammad recommended fasting of both the 9th and 10th days of Muharram from the next year. This was done to distinguish Muslims from the Jews and Christians. However, He died before the following year. The Prophet also commented that fasting during the month of Muharram is the best fast after Ramadan. Since then, the tradition of observing the fast is being followed by the Muslims across the globe.

Muslims scholars state that fasting of Ashura during the month of Muharram is of three levels, as given below:
Fasting for three days, i.e., on the 9th, 10th and 11th days of Muharram,
Fasting on the 9th and 10th day of Muharram, and
Fasting only on the 10th of Muharram.