Ashura 2025 in the United Kingdom

Ashura is a significant day in the Islamic calendar, observed on the 10th of Muharram. For Shia Muslims, it commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein at the Battle of Karbala, while Sunni Muslims mark it as a day of fasting and reflection, often associated with historical events like the parting of the Red Sea by Moses.

Ashura: A Public Holiday?

Ashura is not a public holiday in the UK. Businesses, offices, and schools follow regular opening hours, though some Muslim communities may observe the day with religious gatherings, prayers, and acts of remembrance.

Ashura

Ashura is an important day in the Islamic calendar, observed on the 10th of Muharram. Its history dates back to significant events in Islamic tradition, but it holds different meanings for Sunni and Shia Muslims.

For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a day of mourning, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. His death is seen as a symbol of the struggle against oppression and injustice, and it has deep spiritual significance.

For Sunni Muslims, Ashura is often observed as a day of fasting, reflecting on the historical account of the Prophet Moses and the Israelites being saved from Pharaoh by the parting of the Red Sea.

Observance on Ashura in the UK

In the UK, Ashura is a day of reflection and religious observance within the Muslim community. It is not a public holiday, but many mosques and community centers hold events to mark the occasion. For Shia Muslims, the day is often observed with processions and gatherings, where the story of Imam Hussein's sacrifice is retold through prayers, speeches, and recitations. People come together to remember his courage and to reflect on themes of justice and faith. In some cities, such as London and Birmingham, large processions are held, where participants engage in mourning rituals, wearing black and sometimes chanting elegies. For Sunni Muslims, Ashura is typically marked by fasting and attending special prayers at the mosque, emphasizing reflection and gratitude.

The way Ashura is observed in the UK highlights the diversity within the Muslim community. The day holds significant importance, especially for Shia Muslims, as a reminder of the values of sacrifice, standing against injustice, and staying true to one's faith. For Sunni Muslims, the day also carries spiritual meaning and is a time to reflect on God's mercy and blessings. Ashura promotes unity within the Muslim community, as well as an opportunity for people of other faiths to learn more about Islamic history and the events that shape the beliefs of millions around the world. The commemoration of Ashura in the UK, whether through mourning or fasting, remains a powerful expression of faith and remembrance.

Who Observes Ashura in the UK?

With over 3.9 million Muslims living in the United Kingdom, Islam is the second-largest religion after Christianity. Major Muslim communities are based in cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester, with areas such as Tower Hamlets, Sparkbrook, and Rusholme being centers of Islamic life. Ashura is observed by both Shia and Sunni Muslims in these regions, with Shia communities, in particular, marking the day through processions, mourning rituals, and prayers. Sunni Muslims also observe Ashura with fasting and reflection, making it a meaningful occasion for Muslims across the UK.

Ashura Observances