Day after Ashura

What Is Day after Ashura?

The Day after Ashura, also known as the 11th of Muharram, is an observance that extends the solemn events of Ashura. Ashura, falling on the 10th of Muharram, commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. For Sunni Muslims, Ashura also commemorates other historical events, including the Exodus of Moses.

The Day after Ashura serves as a continuation of the mourning, remembrance, and reflection initiated on the 10th of Muharram. While Ashura itself is widely observed across various Muslim communities, the Day after Ashura is specifically recognised as a public holiday in Pakistan, providing an additional day for commemorative activities and contemplation.

History and Origins of Day after Ashura

The observance of Ashura on the 10th of Muharram has deep roots in Islamic history. For Shia Muslims, it is the central day of mourning for Imam Hussein’s martyrdom, an event that profoundly shaped the theological and political trajectory of Islam. Sunni Muslims often observe Ashura by fasting, in remembrance of Moses’ fasting to express gratitude for the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian pharaohs.

The extension of this observance to the 11th of Muharram, leading to the Day after Ashura, is largely rooted in the tradition of continued mourning and solidarity with the events of Karbala. For many, particularly within Shia communities, the suffering and sacrifice associated with Karbala extend beyond a single day, necessitating sustained remembrance. The recognition of the 11th of Muharram as a public holiday in Pakistan facilitates this prolonged period of commemoration.

How Day after Ashura Is Celebrated

The observance of the Day after Ashura primarily involves continued mourning, remembrance, and religious activities. As a public holiday in Pakistan, businesses, educational institutions, and government offices typically remain closed. This closure allows individuals to participate in commemorative events or to observe the day with personal reflection.

Observances in Pakistan

In Pakistan, the Day after Ashura often sees the continuation of mourning processions (azadari), known as ‘Tazias’ and ‘Alam’. These processions, which commenced on the 10th of Muharram, involve individuals participating in re-enactments or carrying symbolic replicas of the martyrs’ shrines and banners. Congregations gather in mosques and Imambargahs for majalis (religious assemblies) where scholars deliver sermons recounting the events of Karbala, and elegies (marsiyas) and lamentations (nauhas) are recited. Many individuals engage in acts of self-flagellation (matam) as a demonstration of grief and solidarity. The focus remains on mourning, expressing sorrow, and reflecting on the sacrifices made by Imam Hussein and his companions.

When Is Day after Ashura?

The Day after Ashura is observed on the 11th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, meaning its months begin with the sighting of the crescent moon. As such, the Islamic year is approximately 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar year.

Consequently, the date of the Day after Ashura shifts earlier by roughly ten to twelve days each year when referenced against the Gregorian calendar. This ensures that the observance cycles through all seasons over a period of about 33 years. There are no fixed Gregorian dates for this holiday, and its precise timing relies on astronomical calculations or local moon sighting committees.

Day after Ashura Key Facts