Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

ashura

noun

[æˈʃʊərə]

Definition

Ashura is a significant day in Islamic tradition, observed on the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic lunar calendar.

Examples

Ashura is observed as a day of mourning by many Shia Muslims.
On Ashura, some Muslims fast as an act of devotion.
During Ashura, many communities hold processions and recite elegies in memory of Imam Hussein.

Meaning

It is notably important in both Sunni and Shia Islam for different reasons, including commemorating the day of fasting practiced by Prophet Muhammad and the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.