Pronunciation: [aʃjˈʊ͡əɹə] (IPA) 
Ashura is a religious observance that is marked by Muslims worldwide. However, it is known by different names in different countries. The word Ashura comes from Arabic, which is pronounced əˈʃuːrə. The IPA phonetic transcription for the word "ashura" is /əˈʃuːrə/. This pronunciation is a result of the Arabic origin of the word. The spelling of the word in different languages might vary, but the phonetic transcription remains the same.
Ashura is a significant religious observance in Islam that commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. It falls on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The word "ashura" itself means "tenth" in Arabic. This event holds particular importance for the Shia Muslim community, while Sunni Muslims also honor the occasion with fasting and prayer but attach different historical and spiritual significance to it.
Ashura marks the historic battle of Karbala in 680 AD, where Imam Hussein and his followers faced immense oppression and were brutally martyred. The commemoration of this event aims to emphasize the principles of justice, resistance against tyranny, and self-sacrifice. Shia Muslims mourn Imam Hussein’s martyrdom through various rituals, including fasting, prayer gatherings, recitation of elegies, and processions. Participants may engage in self-flagellation, as a symbolic act expressing grief and their commitment to stand against injustice.
The day of Ashura also signifies many other significant events in history for different religious and cultural communities. For instance, in Jewish tradition, Ashura is believed to be the day when Moses and the Israelites were saved from the Pharaoh's army by the parting of the Red Sea. Similarly, some Christians associate Ashura with the day when Jesus entered Jerusalem before his crucifixion.
Overall, Ashura serves as a day of reflection, remembrance, and a reminder of the importance of staying steadfast in the face of oppression and upholding justice in one's life.
The word "Ashura" has its roots in Arabic and is derived from the Arabic word "عاشَر" (ʿāshir), which means "tenth". It specifically refers to the tenth day of the Islamic month of Muharram. This day holds significant religious and historical importance for Muslims, particularly for Shia Muslims. Ashura is observed as a day of mourning and remembrance for the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.
