Ashura (Islam)

Ashura has been a day of fasting for Muslims since the days of the early Muslim community. It marks two historical events: the day Nuh (Noah) left the Ark, and the day that Musa (Moses) was saved from the Egyptians by Allah.

Shia Muslims in particular use the day to commemorate the martyrdom of Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet (pbuh) in 680 CE.

In Shiite communities this is a solemn day: plays re-enacting the martyrdom are often staged and many take part in mourning rituals.