Tasu’a of Imam Hussain (the 9th of Muharram) is a day of mourning and loyalty, commemorating the devotion of Imam Hussain’s companions in Karbala, especially the sacrifice of Hazrat Abbas (AS) in defense of truth and justice.
The Night of Ashura refers to the evening preceding the 10th of Muharram, a pivotal moment in Islamic history, particularly in the narrative of the Battle of Karbala. According to early historical sources from both Sunni and Shi‘i traditions, on the night before 10 Muharram 61 AH (680 CE), Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, and his small group of companions remained encircled by the Umayyad forces led by Umar ibn Sa‘d in Karbala. Classical chronicles report that Husayn gave his followers permission to leave under the cover of darkness, yet they chose to stay with him knowingly. In historical terms, the Night of Ashura marks the final hours before the confrontation that unfolded on the Day of Ashura, making it a deeply significant and solemn moment in the chronology of Karbala.