This year, the first day of Muharram is expected to be Friday June 26th, 2025. This is dependent on the sighting of the moon. 

Ashura is expected to be on Sunday, July 6th, 2025. This is dependent on when the month of Muharram begins (which is dependent on the sighting of the moon). 

Muharram is currently the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is one of the four sacred months in which fighting is forbidden. 

For Shia Muslims, it holds special significance due to the martyrdom of the third Shia imam, Imam Hussain (as), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (saww), and his companions at the Battle of Karbala on the 10th day of  Muharram, called Ashura. This event symbolizes the struggle against tyranny and injustice and is commemorated annually with mourning rituals. 

Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram and marks the climax of the mourning period for Imam Hussain (as). Shia Muslims observe Ashura by attending mourning gatherings called majalis to recall the tragedies (masa’ib) of the day, reciting elegies (i.e. latmiyas, marsiyas, and nohas), participating in processions, and engaging in rituals such as chest-beating (maatam) to express grief. Many also perform the a’amal of Day of Ashura, recite Ziyarat Ashura, and refrain from any worldly activities. 

Shia Muslims mourn to remember the sacrifices of Imam Hussain (as), his family, and his companions, who stood for justice and refused to pledge allegiance to the tyrant Yazid (la). This includes the journey of Imam Zain Al-Abideen (as), Sayyida Zainab (sa) and the remaining women and children from the Caravan of Honour who were taken as prisoners, paraded from Karbala to Kufa to Shaam. 

Mourning is seen as an act of solidarity with the Ahlulbayt (as) – The Prophet’s (saww) family – and a means of spiritual reflection and renewal. 

Common practices include attending majalis (mourning assemblies), reciting the story of Karbala, chest-beating (maatam), wearing black, refraining from celebrations, and performing recommended prayers and supplications. Some communities also perform theatrical reenactments (ta’ziya) of the events of Karbala. 

Fasting in Muharram is not obligatory for Shia Muslims, except if one has made a personal vow (nazr) to do so. However, there are three days recommended (mustahab) to fast in the first 10 days according to Ayatollah Sistani (ha): the 1st, 3rd, and 7th of Muharram. 

Ayatollah Sistani (ha) also says it is disapproved (makruh) to fast on the Day of Ashura (i.e. 10th of Muharram). 

Wearing black is a symbol of mourning and grief. Shia Muslims avoid celebrations, weddings, and other joyous events during Muharram and Safar out of respect for the tragedy of Karbala, to honour the memory of Imam Hussain (as) and the martyrs of Karbala, and to remember the misfortunes that befell the Ahlulbayt (as). 

Participating in Muharram rituals is believed to foster a deep connection with the values of sacrifice, justice, and steadfastness exemplified by Imam Hussain (as). It is also seen as a means of spiritual purification, communal solidarity, and seeking intercession through the remembrance of the Ahlulbayt (as).