Ashura 2027: Date in India and Meaning
Ashura is the 10th of Muharram. Sunni Muslims fast on it, following the practice of the Prophet, and remember the martyrdom of Imam Husayn, the Prophet's grandson, at Karbala in 61 AH (680 CE).
In India
Wed, 16 June 2027
Expected, subject to moon sighting. In Saudi Arabia (Umm al-Qura): Tue, 15 June 2027.
The year after: Sun, 4 June 2028.
The fast of Ashura
When the Prophet came to Madinah he found the Jews fasting on this day in thanks for the deliverance of Musa, and said that Muslims have a greater claim to Musa; he fasted it and told others to fast (Sahih al-Bukhari 2004).
He said that the fast of Ashura expiates the sins of the preceding year (Sahih Muslim 1162), and said that if he lived to the next year he would also fast the 9th (Sahih Muslim 1134). Many therefore fast the 9th and 10th together.
Karbala
On 10 Muharram 61 AH, Imam Husayn ibn Ali and members of his family were killed at Karbala, in present-day Iraq. Sunni Muslims hold Imam Husayn in deep love and reverence, and remember the day with grief.
How it is observed
- Across Sunni communitiesFasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram (or the 10th and 11th).
- Ahle Sunnat (Barelvi) traditionGatherings that recount the events of Karbala, fatiha and niyaz offered for the martyrs, and water or sharbat (sabeel) served to passers-by.
How other Sunni schools see it
Deobandi and Ahle Hadith scholars encourage the fast but discourage practices they regard as later additions, such as fixed niyaz. Public mourning rituals (matam) belong to Shia practice, not Sunni.
Sources
- Sahih al-Bukhari 2004
- Sahih Muslim 1162
- Sahih Muslim 1134
- Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Battle of Karbala"
Updated 6 October 2026 by the Sunni One editors, compiled from the sources above.