The day of Ashura

The day of Ashura is one of the most significant days in the calendar of Muslim holidays

This sacred holiday is not in vain considered one of the most important ones in the life of any Muslim. According to the Holy Writ of the Koran, in this day the heavens, the Earth, and angels were created. Also this day is directly connected with the man on the Earth – Adam. The legend says that on this saint day of Ashura the forefather of all people – Adam repented to the God of the sins he had done, and Allah accepted his penance. This day is the tenth in the Muharram month.

For the Muslims of Istanbul as well as for the others followers of this religion, the day of Ashura is first of all a strict fast that they keep during the most prominent day and the next several days. Keeping the fast is obligatory, because the day of Ashura coincides with the day of worshiping the memory of the grandson of the prophet Mohammed, who had died as a martyr for his belief. Also, this day it people should gladden their relatives and friends, read the Koran and make different good deeds.