Day of Ashura 2026 in Australia: Date, Fasting (9th and 10th Muharram) and Significance
The 10th of Muharram 1448
The Day of Ashura falls on the 10th of Muharram and in 2026 is expected on Thursday 25 June in Australia, with the 9th (Tasu’a) on Wednesday 24 June. Ashura is the most virtuous day to fast in the sacred month of Muharram. This guide covers the expected date, how to observe the recommended fast of the 9th and 10th, and the significance of the day, which is marked in different ways across the Muslim community. It is a companion to our Islamic New Year 2026 guide; together they cover the start of Muharram 1448.
Date subject to moon sighting
Wed 24 June
Thu 25 June
Best fast
When is the Day of Ashura 2026 in Australia?
The Day of Ashura 2026 is expected to fall on Thursday 25 June 2026, the 10th of Muharram 1448 AH, with the 9th of Muharram (Tasu’a) on Wednesday 24 June. Because Ashura is counted as the tenth day from the start of Muharram, its date follows directly from when the month begins.
Calculated calendars place 1 Muharram on 16 June, which puts Ashura on 25 June, but the start of the month is confirmed in Australia by moonsighting, so if Muharram begins on 17 June, Ashura shifts to Friday 26 June. Check with your mosque once the new moon is sighted.
How do you fast the 9th and 10th of Muharram?
Fasting the Day of Ashura is a strongly recommended (sunnah) voluntary fast, not obligatory. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) fasted on Ashura and encouraged Muslims to do so. When he learned that the Jewish community also fasted that day, he expressed the intention to fast the 9th as well in future, so that Muslims would be distinct in their observance (reported in Sahih Muslim). For this reason the recommended practice is to fast two days: the 9th and the 10th (Tasu’a and Ashura).
If someone is only able to fast one day, many scholars note it is still good to fast the 10th, and some pair the 10th with the 11th instead. The fast runs from Fajr to sunset like any other; intentions, suhoor and iftar timings follow your local prayer times.
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What is the significance of Ashura?
Ashura is significant for several reasons grounded in authentic narrations. The Prophet (peace be upon him) explained that Ashura is the day Allah saved the Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh, and that Musa fasted in gratitude; the Prophet said “We have more right to Musa than you” and fasted it and instructed Muslims to fast it (reported in Sahih al-Bukhari).
The reward mentioned for fasting Ashura is that it expiates the sins of the previous year (reported in Sahih Muslim). Muharram as a whole is a sacred month in which good deeds carry special weight.
How is Ashura observed across the Muslim community?
Ashura carries different significance for different communities, and it is observed in more than one way. For the majority of Muslims (Sunni), Ashura is primarily the recommended fasting day described above, commemorating the salvation of Musa (peace be upon him) and following the practice of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a solemn day of mourning that marks the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him), the grandson of the Prophet (peace be upon him), at Karbala in 680 CE; it is observed with majalis (gatherings of remembrance), processions and acts of charity. In Australia, both observances take place within the same week, and many mosques and Islamic centres hold programs reflecting their community. We present both respectfully and factually; for guidance specific to your community, refer to your local imam or centre.
What good deeds are recommended during Muharram and on Ashura?
Beyond fasting the 9th and 10th, recommended acts during the sacred month include increasing voluntary prayer and dua, giving charity, reciting and reflecting on the Quran, reconciling with family, and making sincere intentions for the new year. Some communities also emphasise generosity towards family and those in need on Ashura.
As with the Islamic New Year, it is best to keep to acts established in authentic sources and avoid attaching unfounded customs to the day.
The month that opens the new year
Read our Islamic New Year 2026 guideIs Ashura a public holiday in Australia?
No. Ashura is not a public holiday in mainland Australia. It is observed personally and within the community through fasting, prayer, gatherings of remembrance and charity, around people’s normal working and school week.
Those who wish to fast or attend an Ashura program do so around their regular schedule; many workplaces and schools will accommodate a request for religious observance leave with notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan your Ashura 2026 in one place
Check Fajr and Maghrib times for fasting the 9th and 10th, find a mosque hosting Ashura programs, and see Islamic events near you on HalalHQ.
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