Ashura 2025: What to Do & Why It Matters | Al-Ihsan Foundation
Learn the virtues of Ashura 2025, the Month of Allah, and how your fast and charity can start your Islamic year strong. Feed the fasting with Al-Ihsan Foundation.
Al-Ihsan Foundation
Islamic Research Team
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the significance of Ashura and Muharram
- Why Muharram is called the Month of Allah
- The story of Musa (AS) and the splitting of the Red Sea
- How to fast properly on Ashura
- Starting the Islamic year with spiritual strength
When Is Ashura in 2025?
Ashura falls on Saturday, 5 July 2025 in Australia (subject to moonsighting). That's the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year.
But this date isn't just the start of the year. It's a spiritual reset.
It's a day tied to one of the greatest moments of tawakkul in history, when the Red Sea split for Musa (AS) and his people, not because they saw a way out, but because they trusted Allah ﷻ would make one.
Why Is Muharram Called the Month of Allah?
Of all the twelve months, only one has been given this sacred title: the Month of Allah ﷻ.
Neither Ramadan nor Dhul Hijjah, as virtuous as they are, were described this way.
"Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve... of which four are sacred."
- Surah At-Tawbah 9:36
The Prophet ﷺ called Muharram "Shahrullah", the Month of Allah. That title alone makes it different. And as scholars explain, when Allah attaches something to Himself, it shows its holiness.
Why is it the first month of the year? Because how you begin matters.
A strong beginning sets the tone for the entire year.
If your first step is sincere, through fasting, prayer, and reflection, Allah ﷻ may open the rest of the year with goodness, strength, and clarity.
Why Is Fasting in Muharram So Rewarded?
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"The best fasting after Ramadan is in the Month of Allah: Muharram."
- Sahih Muslim
Even more than Sha'ban, the month in which our deeds are raised, the Prophet ﷺ fasted in Muharram as an act of love, of surrender, and of sacred renewal.
If that's how he ﷺ began his year, why wouldn't we?
The Story of Ashura: When the Sea Split
The 10th of Muharram, Ashura, takes us back to Musa (AS).
He stood between the sea and a brutal army. Mothers held their children. Death looked certain. Hearts were gripped by fear.
But Musa (AS) rose above the chaos and said five words that Allah ﷻ chose to preserve in the Quran forever:
"No! Indeed, my Lord is with me. He will guide me."
- Surah Ash-Shu'ara: 62
In that moment of trust, Allah ﷻ split the sea.
Ashura is not just history. It's a lesson: Don't focus on the problem. Focus on Who is greater than the problem.
Why Do Muslims Fast on the Day of Ashura?
When the Prophet ﷺ came to Madinah and found the Jews fasting on Ashura in honour of Musa (AS), he said:
"We have more right to Musa than them."
- Sahih Bukhari
He fasted that day and encouraged the ummah to do so. Then he told us that:
"Fasting on the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will accept it as expiation for the previous year."
- Sahih Muslim
What's the Sunnah Way to Fast Ashura?
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Fast two days: either the 9th & 10th or 10th & 11th
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This was to distinguish our fasting from other groups
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Fasting on all three days is also virtuous
This is one of the most powerful chances for forgiveness and a fresh start, right at the start of the year.
How Should We Start the Islamic Year?
The Prophet ﷺ highlighted two actions:
He paired them together because they are the spiritual pillars of personal transformation.
Fast the days, pray the nights, and see how your heart shifts.
Ashura Teaches Us: The Real Value in Life
The lesson from Musa (AS) isn't just about the sea. It's about certainty.
He didn't know how Allah ﷻ would save them, but he knew Who would.
Ashura reminds us that:
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Certainty in Allah ﷻ is your real safety
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The outcome is never in your hands, but effort and trust are
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When you show up with hope and effort, Allah ﷻ will give openings
Where will you be when Allah's help arrives?
What You Can Do for Ashura 2025
Fast with Intention
Even one day, the 10th, earns forgiveness. Two days is better. Add night prayer and du'a, and you've begun the year with spiritual strength.
Feed the Fasting
Millions will fast without food this Ashura, in Gaza, Uganda, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, and Bangladesh.
Give them a warm, dignified iftar through our Ashura Iftar appeal.
Let your fast be paired with mercy.
Reflect and Reconnect
Ashura is a checkpoint. Ask yourself: What's been holding me back from Allah ﷻ?
What kind of year do I want to build?
Final Reflection: Where Will You Be When the Help of Allah Comes?
The sea split for Musa (AS), not just to save him, but to show us.
That faith… opens impossible doors.
And this Ashura, maybe you're standing at your own sea. Maybe it's fear. Maybe it's hardship. Maybe you don't even know what you need… you just know you need Allah ﷻ.
So what now?
You fast. You give. You pray when no one's watching.
Because that's how believers begin their year, not with fireworks, but with sincerity.
Don't underestimate what one day of fasting and one sincere du'a can do. The Prophet ﷺ paired them together for a reason - fasting by day, praying by night.
He was showing us the way to start right. And when the beginning is right… the rest will follow, insha'Allah.
So where will you be when the help of Allah ﷻ comes?
Still stuck, or already stepping forward?
Fast with intention. Feed with love. Pray with hope.
And watch what Allah does with the rest of your year.
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